Coke not the only real thing

8.39.54am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 1st Dec 2004

Chris Huhne has welcomed EU action to make Coca Cola open its machines to other suppliers.

Local Euro-MP, Chris Huhne, has welcomed an EU decision to force Coca Cola to open up its fridges to other companies.

The decision was made after a 5-year battle with the company. It will give local consumers more choice and scraps marketing practices that stopped other soft drinks from being on the same shelves as Coca Cola.

The European Commission had accused the giant US company of using its commercial strength to crush competitors.

'Over the years the situation has got worse and worse. Go into any local newsagent or garage now and it's almost impossible to find something to drink that's not one of the brands made by this company,' says Chris Huhne.

'Coke has been told that it isn't the only real thing, and people will be able to choose from a wider selection of drinks as a result. But it has taken the power of the European Union to force one of the world's largest multinationals to back down.'