As Queen’s prepares to select its next cold beverage provider, students, staff, and faculty are being asked to help identify what factors are most important to them in selecting a supplier.

The university has had the current Cold Beverage Agreement in place with Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited since 2012. Under the agreement, the company provides exclusive cold beverage services on campus through various outlets, including residence dining halls, retail food venues, catering services, and vending machines. Although exclusive, the current agreement allows for some other cold beverage offerings on campus. The contract provides funding to support student wellness and the student experience through the AMS, SGPS, and Athletics and Recreation.

The agreement is due to expire on Aug. 31, 2022 but will be extended for one year through Aug. 31, 2023, due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the contract deliverables over the 2020-21 academic year, when most classes were offered remotely, and campus activity was greatly reduced.

A Request For Proposal (RFP) process is being planned for fall 2022. Students, staff, and faculty are asked to rank the following list of proposed procurement criteria for use in the selection process for a Cold Beverage Supplier:

Nutritional value – the availability of beverages that have nigh nutritional value and align with Health Canada guidelines regarding sugar, natural or artificial sweeteners, calories, caffeine, or preservatives.

Sustainability – how the drinks are packaged, the related waste, and environmental impacts from production and shipping.

Product quality & diversity – the ingredients, the taste, and the options available.

Locally sourced – the beverages provided are produced from local sources and resources, employing local employees.  

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigeneity – the degree to which the supplier’s policies and practices are aligned with the university’s priority to take action to address systemic and other forms of racism and create a welcoming campus that reflects diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives. 

Social impact – The supplier demonstrates ethical business and human resources practices, such as providing employees with a living wage, being transparent and equitable in their business relationships and acting for the betterment of the communities from which they draw their resources and where their products are produced.  The supplier demonstrates commitment to social justice, has a positive reputation and acts in accordance with their stated values.

Affordability – the price of the products.  

Participate in the Cold Beverage Survey.

More information visit the Cold Beverage Consultative Group webpage.