Coke Denies Using Illegal Cola War Tactics

Coca-Cola Co., in a federal court filing, rejected PepsiCo Inc.’s recent claim that it is using illegal tactics to monopolize the soft drink syrup distribution business that serves restaurants and movie theaters. In an answer to a PepsiCo lawsuit filed earlier this month, the leading soft drink company attributes its dominance of the soda fountain sector to missteps by Pepsi and “more than a century’s hard work and effort” by Coca-Cola. The court filing, made in U.S. District Court in New York, scores Pepsi for seeking “a judicial rescue from its past business mistakes.” Pepsi alleged in its lawsuit that Coke is threatening to drop independent food service distributors who agree to carry Pepsi products. Coke argued in its filing that its “exclusive arrangements” with distributors are legal.