(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sun 25th Jan, 2026) London, UK —
End of an Era: Coca-Cola vs. Vue in Legal Battle Over Alleged Outstanding Payments
Coca-Cola Initiates Legal Action Against Vue Cinemas Over Alleged Debts, Post Partnership Dissolution
Coca-Cola has launched legal proceedings against Vue, alleging unpaid debts following the cinema chain’s decision to transition its soft drink provision to PepsiCo, marking the end of a partnership that spanned nearly a quarter of a century.
Vue, which boasts over 90 cinema locations across the UK and Ireland, announced a tender last year for the soft drink supply contract, subsequently awarding exclusive rights to PepsiCo until at least 2030 in March. This decision terminated a longstanding collaboration with Coca-Cola that dated back almost 25 years.
However, the transition has not been smooth, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain (CCEP) instituting legal action against Vue Entertainment last Thursday. The claim pertains to alleged debts that remained unsettled upon contract termination.
It's been noted that Coca-Cola itself reportedly owes Vue certain payments, though Vue has not pursued legal action regarding these debts.
The law firm Coltman Warner Cranston, based in Coventry and specializing in debt recovery, is representing Coca-Cola in this matter. Darren Davoile, the practice leader, refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal action.
Responding to the situation, Vue’s CEO and founder, Tim Richards, expressed disappointment, suggesting that a direct communication could have resolved what he referred to as a minor dispute without legal intervention.
Coca-Cola GB has yet to release a statement in response to the allegations.
Vue has since announced that the dispute regarding the alleged debts has been resolved, stating that the legal action and subsequent winding-up petition were unnecessary and have been withdrawn. Richards clarified that no outstanding amounts remain, with the disputed sum being less than £100,000.
The soft drink industry has seen similar shifts in allegiance, with Cineworld, a competitor of Vue, also switching its exclusive soft drink supplier to PepsiCo in 2020. PepsiCo’s product range includes popular beverages such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, and Pure Leaf, among others.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel.
Visit QLM businessnews.com for more business news stories. Also follow us on Facebook, X, and Youtube.
To help QLM Business News bring you more news stories like this, please like, share, and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
