They are wealthy and have unprecedented massive distribution. They can buy up any new upstarts before they even think about becoming a real competitor. And physical drink distribution is much, much more expensive to scale than something like an software competitor. It took Coca Cola 100 years to build their current network.
To your other point, Buffett doesn't always have the time to elaborate on each answer, so perhaps you missed it in this context. In general, a supreme distribution network is something that he values highly. It's known as having a 'moat' and is one of his most cited investing principles.
I was referring to the cola companies having problems.
And anyway Europe isn't the whole commercial universe.