Dr. Pepper Can End Partnership With Coke Bottler, Judge Says (2)

A Texas judge ruled that Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. can end its partnership with the distribution and bottling operations in California and Nevada that also serves rival Coca-Cola Co., part of Keurig’s effort to move Dr. Pepper ahead in the soda industry’s ongoing cola wars.

The ruling on Monday says that the license agreement between Dr. Pepper and Reyes Coca-Cola “is and shall be terminated effective Oct. 27, 2025,” allowing Dr. Pepper to do direct store delivery of its brands.

“We are carefully evaluating all of our options, including the possibility of an appeal,” a Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling spokesperson ...