Coca-Cola has initiated legal proceedings against Vue, a major European cinema operator, following the chain’s decision to switch beverage suppliers from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo across its European locations. This marks a significant shift in a commercial relationship that had endured for nearly 25 years.
Vue operates an extensive network spanning multiple countries. The company maintains more than 90 cinemas throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, while its broader European presence encompasses 222 cinema sites distributed across eight nations, making it the continent’s largest independently owned cinema operator.
Last year, Vue initiated a competitive tender process for its soft drink supply contract. PepsiCo was selected as the exclusive supplier in March 2025, with the agreement extending through at least 2030. This decision effectively terminated Vue’s long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain filed legal action on Thursday, seeking recovery of alleged unpaid debts from the contract termination. The lawsuit was processed through Coltman Warner Cranston, a Coventry-based law firm specializing in debt collection. Vue also maintains outstanding debts owed by Coca-Cola but has not pursued legal action regarding these amounts.
Vue’s chief executive and founder Tim Richards expressed frustration regarding the dispute’s escalation. He suggested that a direct conversation could have resolved what he characterized as a minor financial disagreement without requiring legal intervention after their lengthy partnership.
PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio includes multiple brands such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Lifewtr, Bubly sparkling water, and Pure Leaf. This trend of cinema chains transitioning away from Coca-Cola had previously occurred when Cineworld, Vue’s rival, similarly announced a switch to PepsiCo as its exclusive soft drink supplier in 2020.
