by FoodBizDaily.com staff writer
February 04 2010 - InterContinental Brands (ICB) said that it has now been permitted by the High Court to continue using the Vodkat name, provided that it is made clear that the product is not vodka.
It follows a court ruling last month that ICB does not have the right to sell other alcoholic drinks under the “vodka” name, after a lawsuit was filed by drinks giant Diageo.
The lawsuit claimed that ICB had mislead consumers by using the name Vodkat, making them think that they were buying real vodka, which it was argued needed legal protection in the same way as champagne or whiskey.
Now ICB director Paul Burton, said: “As we have robustly maintained all along, we have never sought to mislead consumers with the branding of Vodkat.
“ICB will now be taking further steps in its labelling, advertising and trade information to make it absolutely clear that our product Vodkat is not vodka, which by definition should be at least 37.5% alcohol by volume.”
ICB said that Vodkat’s alcoholic strength of 22% volume and product ingredients (a blend of fermented alcohol and vodka) will be highlighted. It will also be asking trade and all its customers to position Vodkat away from vodka. Instead it will suggest placing it alongside products such as liqueurs, other schnapps and light spirit products.
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Trewithen Dairy
Address: 4 Sceptre House Hornbeam Business Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8PB UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1423 872747
Fax: +44 (0)1423 879822
About Trewithen Dairy
InterContinental Brands (ICB) Ltd is a fast growing company, whose success has been built on the timely launch of innovative brands like St Helier, which have found real resonance with the consumer. Founded in 1990 , ICB now trades with all of the major supermarket chains, specialist off licence groups and independent retailers and distributes over 50 top class drinks brands. InterContinental Brands Ltd supports Drink Aware and encourages responsible drinking.