COKELESS IN SEATTLE: COCA- COLA DECLINES MARINERS RE-UP

     Coca-Cola will not renew its marketing agreement with the
Mariners, ending its 20-year relationship with the team.  Coca-
Cola informed the Mariners Friday it has decided not to "match a
competitive offer" for pouring, signage, promo, hospitality and
advertising rights.  Coca-Cola maintains a presence in Seattle
with the Seahawks, SuperSonics and Key Arena (Coca-Cola).  Coca-
Cola decided not to match PepsiCo's offer, according to Chris
Roush in Atlanta.  Coca-Cola had the right until Saturday to
match PepsiCo's offer, "believed to be" a two-year deal worth
$1.4M/year.  Roush notes Coke is "increasingly" ending deals or
"walking away from negotiations" with teams and organizations
when it feels the "price gets too high, or won't help build brand
recognition" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 10/20).  Coca-Cola
spokesperson Ben Deutsch said the company would "be happy to
compete" for the contract again when it runs out in two years
(Jim Szymanski, Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 10/19).