Asahi Facing False-Source Putative Class Action

A consumer has filed a projected class action alleging Asahi Beer U.S.A., Inc. misleads customers into believing that Asahi Super Dry beer is made in Japan despite being produced in Canada. Panvini v. Asahi Beer U.S.A., Inc., No. 17-­1896 (N.D. Cal., filed April 5, 2017). The plaintiff claims that although most of the Asahi Dry beer sold worldwide is brewed in and exported from Japan, the product sold in the United States is made in Toronto, Canada. The complaint alleges that Asahi misleads consumers by using Japanese lettering on labels and packaging and by describing it as the “most popular high-­quality beer in Japan.” Claiming violations of California’s consumer-­protection statutes, the plaintiff seeks injunctive and equitable relief, restitution, damages and attorney’s fees.

Issue 631