In a surprising turn of events, Coca-Cola is taking legal action against the prominent cinema chain Vue after the latter switched to PepsiCo as its exclusive soft drinks supplier in Europe. The move comes just months after a 25-year partnership between Vue and Coca-Cola came to an end.
Vue, which operates over 90 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, put its soft drinks contract up for tender last year. The largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe, with 222 sites in eight countries, selected PepsiCo as its exclusive supplier in March 2025, a deal that is set to last until at least 2030.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain (CCEP) has now taken legal action against Vue Entertainment, seeking to reclaim alleged unpaid debts outstanding when the contract was terminated. It is understood that Coca-Cola also has outstanding debts payable to Vue, which has not sought legal action relating to the amount.
The chief executive and founder of Vue, Tim Richards, expressed his disappointment at the legal action, stating: “One would have hoped that after 25 years, a simple phone call to me could have resolved a genuine dispute for such a small amount without the need for lawyers.”
Coca-Cola’s legal action has been filed by Coltman Warner Cranston, a Coventry-based law firm that specialises in debt recovery. Darren Davoile, who leads the practice, declined to comment on client activity.
Despite the legal proceedings, Vue has stated that the dispute over the outstanding debts on both sides has been resolved. “The petition for winding up has been withdrawn and should never have been filed,” said Richards. “There is currently no amount outstanding and the disputed amount was for under £100,000.”
The move away from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo comes as part of a wider trend in the industry. Vue’s rival, Cineworld, also announced a deal to switch to PepsiCo as its exclusive soft drinks supplier in 2020.
PepsiCo’s portfolio includes popular brands such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Lifewtr, Bubly sparkling water, and Pure Leaf, offering a diverse range of options for cinema-goers.
As the legal battle between Coca-Cola and Vue continues, the industry will be closely watching the outcome, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of soft drinks partnerships in the cinema sector.
