Coke Sued by Bottlers Over Powerade Delivery

Coca-Cola Co. was sued in federal court in Springfield, Mo., by 50 independent bottlers who say plans to change how Powerade sports drinks are delivered to retailers violate their agreements with the world’s largest soft-drink maker.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. asked Coca-Cola and bottlers last year to deliver Powerade to its warehouses instead of to individual stores so the retailer could give the drink more shelf space and increase sales. Analysts have said such a move would benefit large bottlers including Coca- Cola Enterprises Inc., which is 38% owned by Coca-Cola and handles 80% of its U.S. volume.