Coca-Cola is taking legal action against Vue after the cinema chain switched to arch-rival PepsiCo as its supplier for soft drinks in Europe.
Vue, which operates more than 90 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, put the contract up for tender last year.
In March 2025, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe, with 222 sites in eight countries, selected PepsiCo as its exclusive supplier until at least 2030.
The deal saw the end of a relationship between Vue and Coca-Cola that has lasted for almost 25 years.
On Thursday, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain (CCEP) took legal action against Vue Entertainment to reclaim alleged unpaid debts outstanding when the contract was terminated.
It is understood Coca-Cola also has outstanding debts payable to Vue, which has not sought legal action relating to the amount.
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, told the Guardian that the company does not comment on client activity.
Tim Richards, the chief executive and founder of Vue, said: “One would have hoped that after 25 years, a simple phone call could have resolved a genuine dispute for such a small amount without the need for lawyers.”
Coca-Cola GB did not respond to a request for comment.
PepsiCo has a portfolio that includes Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Lifewtr, Bubly sparkling water and Pure Leaf.
In 2020, Vue rival Cineworld also announced a deal to move away from Coca-Cola and use PepsiCo as its exclusive soft drink supplier.
