Anheuser-Busch Cos. has reportedly settled a consumer class action alleging
that Kirin® beer is represented as a Japanese import even though the
products sold in the United States are brewed with domestic ingredients in
California and Virginia. Suarez v. Anheuser-Busch Cos., No. 2013-33620-CA-01
(Fla. Cir. Ct., 11th Jud. Cir., settlement preliminarily approved December 17,
2014).

The October 2013 complaint alleges that Kirin’s labeling falsely implied that its
products remained imported despite a 1996 agreement between the Japanese
company and Anheuser-Busch to manufacture the beer in the United
States and a 2006 deal that gave Anheuser-Busch the brand’s marketing and
sales responsibilities. The complaint alleges that the packaging includes, in
fine print, a statement clarifying that the beer is “[b]rewed under Kirin’s strict
supervision by Anheuser-Busch, in Los Angeles, CA and Williamsburg, VA,” but
that the statement is not visible to consumers before purchase. Under the
proposed settlement agreement, consumers will receive 50 cents per six-pack
and $1 per 12-pack of 12-ounce bottles as well as 10 cents per individual
bottle or can, up to $50 for households with proofs of purchase or $12 for
those without. Anheuser-Busch agreed to feature the clarifying statement
more prominently on the bottles and add it to consumer-facing packaging,
and it will stop describing the beer as imported. Class counsel will reportedly
receive an award of $1 million. See Law360, January 5, 2015.

 

Issue 550

About The Author

For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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