Unfair advertising: complaint against Rivella
Because Rivella advertises its product as having a peach flavor even though it contains no peaches, the Foundation for Consumer Protection has filed a complaint with the Fair Trading Commission (SLK) alleging unfair advertising.
Specifically, this relates to the Rivella flavors peach and rhubarb launched in 2014 (Werbewoche.ch reported). The SKS is now bothered by the fact that consumers have the impression that the drink contains fruit ingredients - although the taste is only created by natural flavors.
As Schweiz am Sonntag writes in its current issue, consumer advocates have long been bothered by the fraudulent labeling of various companies. However, as long as the product contained at least a small amount of the advertised ingredient, there was no legal recourse. After the European Court of Justice last year banned a German tea supplier from advertising raspberry and vanilla if they were not included in the drink, the SKS set out to find a Swiss model case in order to obtain a ruling via the SLK. The right example has now been found in Rivella.
The beverage manufacturer rejects the allegations made to Schweiz am Sonntag as "unfounded". The advertising with the peach complained about by the SKS will no longer be used, says Head of Communications Monika Christener. She refers to the new "Mach's" campaign. In addition, the products are correctly and fully declared - both as "Carbonated table drink with 35% milk serum and peach flavors" on the back and on the front with "Fruity, with natural flavors".
The Association of Swiss Mineral Springs and Soft Drink Producers (SMS) is of the opinion that the SKS has chosen the wrong model case. Based on the information available, the decision of the Commission on Fair Trading is "awaited with equanimity", according to Secretary General Marcel Kreber. (hae/SaS)
