CMA: Coca-Cola Britvic Undertakings Variation Finalized 2026

• The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final decision on the carbonated drinks undertakings on November 4, 2026.
• The undertakings prohibit Coca-Cola and Britvic from enforcing cabinet and outlet exclusivity with their customers.
• Customers of Coca-Cola must be allowed to sell competing products from Coca-Cola-branded cabinets.
• Paragraphs 1-3 of the Coca Cola and Schweppes Beverages undertakings were removed, while other undertakings for Coca-Cola and Britvic were retained.
• These undertakings originated under the monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973, but those provisions have since been replaced by the Enterprise Act 2002.

A central requirement of these Competition and Markets Authority undertakings is the explicit prohibition against Coca-Cola and Britvic enforcing cabinet and outlet exclusivity clauses when supplying their customers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently finalized its review of the undertakings concerning major carbonated drinks suppliers in the UK. On November 4, 2026, the CMA published its definitive decision regarding these long-standing competition law requirements. This decision specifically addressed the undertakings imposed on Coca-Cola, Britvic, and their associated entities, which aim to prevent anti-competitive practices in the beverage market.

As part of this review, the CMA confirmed a variation to the Coca Cola and Schweppes Beverages undertakings. Specifically, paragraphs 1 through 3 of these particular undertakings were removed. However, the remaining provisions within the Coca Cola and Schweppes Beverages undertakings were retained, ensuring continued compliance with competition standards. Furthermore, the separate undertakings applicable to Coca Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd and Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd were also fully retained without any modifications, reinforcing the existing framework for these companies.

These significant undertakings originated under the monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973. While this Act was a foundational piece of legislation designed to promote fair competition within the UK market, its monopoly provisions have since been replaced by the Enterprise Act 2002. The core purpose of these measures is to prevent dominant players from imposing restrictive conditions on their customers, thereby fostering a more open and competitive environment for beverage sales. This legal basis underscores the importance of these regulations in maintaining market integrity.

A central requirement of these Competition and Markets Authority undertakings is the explicit prohibition against Coca-Cola and Britvic enforcing cabinet and outlet exclusivity clauses when supplying their customers. This means that retailers and other outlets are not to be bound by agreements that prevent them from stocking or selling competing products. Crucially, for Coca-Cola, the undertakings extend further, mandating that customers must be permitted to sell rival carbonated drinks from Coca-Cola-branded cabinets, directly addressing a specific form of potential market restriction. This carbonated drinks exclusivity ban UK ensures that consumers have access to a wider range of choices.

The 2026 variation, particularly the removal of certain paragraphs from the Coca Cola and Schweppes Beverages undertakings, represents a specific adjustment within the broader regulatory landscape. While the precise implications of removing these initial paragraphs would depend on their original content, the CMA's decision to retain the core prohibitions against exclusivity underscores the ongoing commitment to preventing anti-competitive behavior. The continued enforcement of these rules means that the fundamental requirements for Coca-Cola Britvic competition law compliance remain firmly in place.

The retention of the undertakings for Coca Cola Bottlers (Ulster) and Britvic, alongside the modified Coca Cola and Schweppes Beverages undertakings, ensures a consistent approach across key players in the carbonated drinks sector. This regulatory stance continues to empower customers of these beverage giants to diversify their product offerings without fear of contractual penalties related to exclusivity. The overall effect of the CMA Coca-Cola Britvic undertakings variation 2026 is to maintain a level playing field, particularly regarding cabinet outlet exclusivity and the ability for retailers to choose their product mix freely.

Lawyers advising beverage distributors or retailers in the UK should review existing supply agreements with Coca-Cola and Britvic for any exclusivity clauses, as these undertakings, varied in 2026, explicitly prohibit such restrictions, allowing customers to stock competing products and utilize branded cabinets for them. Compliance officers must ensure commercial practices align with these competition law requirements.

Source: Original reporting via GOV.UK guidance.