Hi OBers, keen to do some sleuthing on whether there's an opportunity coming for some discounted alcoholic lemon drinks here. (especially after the Kirin Hyoketsu and Smirnoff Hard Soda e.g. Yuzu Citrus giveaways last year).
tldr; CUB legally required to change name/packaging of "Hard Solo" products by 9-Feb-2024 (yesterday), lots of places still selling it after this date. Should we expect bargains?
The makers of Hard Solo alcoholic drinks, CUB (owned by ASAHI) were found last year to have breached Australian Beverages Advertising Codes (ABAC) with their alcoholic lemon drink, 'Hard Solo'. In upholding multiple complaints against the brand, ABAC found specifically that the products packaging held "strong or evident appeal to minors" (many of whom already had an affinity for the non-alcoholic 'Solo' brand).
ABAC rules and procedures 4.17 states that 'Marketers' must rectify any such breaches within 3 months of the ABAC decision in the following ways:
4.17.1. cease further orders for production of the product name, product packaging or marketing collateral immediately;
4.17.2. ensure the product name, product packaging or marketing collateral is modified so as to be consistent with the Panel’s determination within 3 months after notification;
4.17.3. advise the Panel within five (5) business days as to their intended action and timeframes in respect of the product name, product packaging or marketing collateral; and
4.17.4. not reinstate the unmodified product name, product packaging or marketing collateral at any time.
In response to the ABAC decision, CUB committed to the following via spokesperson:
Consistent with ABAC rules, CUB will ensure the last Hard Solo can packaging will exit our supply network by no later than 9 February 2024 (s4.17. of the ABAC Code).
I looked today (the day after this date) and still see plenty of vendors still advertising Hard Solo products as available: first choice liquorland, boozebud etc.
Does anybody know how "exit our supply network" might affect the continued retail sale of "Hard Solo", and - with further complaints - if/when retailers might look to clear out "Hard Solo" packaged products? BWS cleared their stocks out at $2 per can using DoorDash in November, which made the news.
Maybe
.