Pepsi to Remove Sugary Soft Drinks from Schools Worldwide by 2012

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PepsiCo has agreed to remove sugary Pepsi products from schools in over 200 countries after year-long negotiations with the World Heart Foundation.

The world’s second-biggest soft drink maker said Tuesday it would cut calories by taking its sweetened drinks from primary and secondary schools by 2012, making it the first beverage company to do so. Pepsi and Coca-Cola agreed to stop selling drinks high in sugar at schools in 2006 when new guidelines were accepted by both companies.

In March, it was reported that 98.8% of schools supported the new guidelines for beverage companies.

Pepsi Taking the Sugar out of Soft Drinks

Through work with bottlers, vendors and distributors, as well as parents and school officials, Pepsi will offer low-calorie beverages in elementary and secondary schools.

The company will only sell water, juice with no added sugar and fat-free or low-fat milk in primary schools. Sports drinks will only be sold to students who are competing in sports or athletic competitions.

Aside from Pepsi-Cola, the company owns 19 different lines of products, including Gatorade and Tropicana. Diet versions of Pepsi products will be available at secondary schools.

Coca-Cola changed its sales policy this month and has only agreed to remove sugary drinks from primary schools, not secondary schools, unless parents or school districts ask.

The Pepsi Refresh Project

Last month, Pepsi made another positive change when they announced the Pepsi Refresh Project, an online voting system where anyone can vote for a cause to which they want Pepsi to donate money.

The company reportedly put up $20 million for charity. Anyone can submit a cause and there are currently over 1,000 ideas in the running. Finalists will be announced April 1.