The UNIC/Coca-Cola Retail Award, initially introduced at CineEurope by Coca-Cola in 2024, recognises excellence in retail and highlights its importance to the business of cinema exhibition.
In 2026, the Retail Award welcomed submissions across two categories: UNIC Members and Members of National Cinema Associations.
Following the final selection by the judges — Nicola Knight (Head of Away from Home, Institute of Grocery Distribution), Malcolm MacMillan (Managing Director, UK; EVP Exhibitor Relations, Boost, The Boxoffice Company) and Sonia Ragone (Industry Relations & Research Manager, UNIC) — two winners have been selected for this year's award.
Winners
• Kinopolis — recognised for their hospitality-led cinema at their newly-opened cinema at Bad Homburg, focusing on an enhanced guest experience.
• Omniplex — recognised for Joe's Food Truck, where the menu and service model are engineered to increase both spend per head and dwell time.
Welcoming the announcement of the Awards, Laura Houlgatte, UNIC CEO, said:
“Warm congratulations to this year’s awardees! Their creativity and commitment to enhancing the cinema experience through innovative retail concepts are strengthening audience engagement and driving the ongoing evolution of our industry.”
Stephanie Morgner, Senior Director, Away From Home Customers for Coca-Cola Europe said:
“Congratulations to all participants in this year’s UNIC/Coca-Cola Retail Award. We were delighted with the quality of entries across Europe and we welcome this opportunity to showcase and promote excellence in cinema retail.”
About CineEurope
CineEurope 2026 will take place on 22-25 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Fair. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).
About UNIC
The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.
Media Contact:
communications@unic-cinemas.org