Red Stripe Prevails In Alcohol Beverage Labeling Class Action

The latest merits decision in the ongoing false advertising/labeling class actions appears here.  This case involves allegations that the labeling and marketing of Red Stripe Beer misleads consumers into thinking they are purchasing beer made in Jamaica from Jamaican ingredients.  In fact, production of Red Stripe for the US market moved to the US in 2012.  The Southern District of California's Dumas v. Diageo PLC decision to dismiss the plaintiffs' case gives hope that companies with alcohol beverage brands originating overseas can produce those brands in the US without facing significant litigation risk.

The plaintiffs brought their case under several California statues and also alleged negligent and intentional misrepresentation.  Central to the plaintiffs' allegations were statements on Red Stripe's secondary packaging and labeling that the beer was a "Jamaican Style Lager" and contained "The Taste of Jamaica."  The plaintiffs also pointed to the labeling and