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Pepsi Press Announcement, June 20, 2001

Pepsi 'Shows' Why It's No. 1 in N.Y.C.: Beverage giant says "thank you" to its customers with mega-successful, inaugural Food Service and Vending show.

Pepsi Cola's Food Service And Vending Show Proves To Be Hit With Operators

Hundreds Flock To N.Y. Hall Of Science To Sample Products

Queens, N.Y. - June 22, 2001 — Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of New York threw a "little party" on June 20 — and 528 guests eagerly accepted the invitation.

The inaugural Pepsi Cola Food Service and Vending Show, held at the New York Hall of Science in New York City's Corona Park, attracted operators from throughout the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as some vendors from outlying states, such as Massachusetts. The Vendo Company and the New York Hall of Science, under the direction of Michael Savino, sponsored the show.

Also contributing to the creation of the event were Audra Passero and the managers of Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of New York; The Pepsi Cola NASAM's; Judie Eisenberg, Proposal Pro; Morris "Tiny" Weintraub, Tiny Talks Vending; George T. Flobeck, Remote Data Systems, Inc.; and Jennifer Brunjes, New York Hall of Science.

The event offered guests an opportunity to discuss business with Pepsi personnel and sample products from the company's franchise partners, including Aquafina/Pepsi, Lipton/Frappucino, Cadbury Beverages/7UP, Sunny Delight, Frito Lay, Yoo Hoo — and Pepsi's latest additions, Mountain Dew "Code Red" and Sobe natural beverages. Vending machine manufacturers (including Vendo, and Crane National Vendors), distributors and allied products firms were also on hand to display their products and explain their services.

Austine Carroll, Pepsi's Director of Business, Industry and Education, noted that the show, "gives us the opportunity to do what we do best — to showcase the star products and marketing power that have made Pepsi number one in sales in the metro New York area, and to connect you with the products and resources that will help you grow your business."

Carroll told Tinytalksvending.com that following the show she was swamped with e-mails of thanks from Pepsi's food service and vending operators in attendance. "The response was absolutely amazing," she said. "I received phone calls, letters and e-mails from customers that want to know when the next one will be. What the show did for the vending and food service people was just phenomenal."

According to Carroll, a number of guests invited to the show began gathering at the Hall of Science at 3:45 p.m. — two and one-quarter hours before its starting time.

Just how popular is Pepsi in The Big Apple? Carroll noted that Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of New York sells 3.5 million cases of Pepsi per year to its vending and food service customers.

Addressing the guests at the show, Carroll said: "It's a little overwhelming to see all of my friends and customers, all in one place, all at one time."

Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of New York President Bill Wilson joined Carroll in welcoming the guests to the company's first vending and food service show. Carroll and Wilson's respective addresses were interrupted several times by enthusiastic applause and cheering.

"If you don't grow with us, we'll never achieve our goals," Wilson said. "We think the real challenge is how we grow together. We think, the number one thing we should be doing, is offering you and your consumers a value proposition that differentiates yourselves from competition.

"You know as well as I do that growth is changing, and the one who changes the fastest wins. I think we at Pepsi Cola, and all our partners, can achieve that by adapting to the forces of change faster than our competitors," Wilson said. "We firmly believe that there are three strategies that we need to follow. The first being the company that embraces technological and informational change clearly has a step up on competition. Secondly, the company that best understands customers and consumers is going to be a clear winner."

Wilson continued: "We think the third, and most important strategy on the three-legged stool is the strategy that develops strategic alliances with our customers. We understand the forces of change; we think our franchise partners understand the forces of change. But most of all, I think everyone in this audience this evening understands. . . because you, our customer, are closest to the consumer, who is the ultimate desire."

More than $36,000 in prizes was awarded to lucky attendees via a series of drawings, Carroll said. The prizes included a trip to the tropical paradise of St. Marten and a 53-inch television.

Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of New York's Inaugural Food Service and Vending Trade Show was a rousing success.