Portman Group strikes back at Charles Wells and Roxxoff
The Portman Group has hit back at two drinks producers that have attempted to challenge its authority.
Charles Wells, whose Muse "Sex on the Beach" cocktail last month fell foul of the drinks industry watchdog's code of practice for suggesting an association with sexual success, has criticised the consistency of the group's approach.
The Bedford-based brewer and pubco is unhappy with the group after it recommended licensees serve a cocktail called "Safe Sex on the Beach", as part of its Christmas anti-drink-drive campaign, "I'll be Des".
Nigel McNally, sales and marketing director for Charles Wells, said: "The Portman Group is to be applauded for its attempts to discourage drink-driving but I would argue that the imagery and connotation associated with the drink is no different to Sex on the Beach.
"It seems contradictory for the group to ban Muse, which is only sold into trade, for an association with sexual success but actively encourage retailers to serve Safe Sex on the Beach, which seems to have an almost identical association."
The Portman Group has rejected Charles Wells' complaints. Director of communications and campaigns Jim Minton said: "Our code applies to pre-packaged alcoholic drinks, not soft drinks, and to producer activities, not retailer promotions. It is surprising to hear that Charles Wells is confused, as having signed up to the code, they would be expected to fully understand the rules and to whom they apply."
At the same time, RTD brand Roxxoff has relaunched, despite a ruling last June by the Independent Complaints Panel, which found that the brand name suggested an association with sexual success.
Despite this, the brand's new UK distributor barFunked organised a relaunch party for the brand in Manchester last week, marketing it as a drink containing "hardroxx, a potent blend of libido enhancing Chinese herbs".
A spokesman for the Portman Group said: "We understand that a wholesaler has signalled an intention to distribute Roxxoff. We have written to all major on- and off-trade retailers and trade organisations reminding them of the June 20003 ruling and requested that neither they nor their members stock the product. This ruling is still in force, and would apply to any alcoholic drink marketing itself under the name of Roxxoff."
