When beverages cross the line

In separate incidents, three beverage companies have had to pull their products off shelves for product or package impropriety.

In the UK, a Belgian lager has been pulled from shelves for "risqué positioning." Rubbel Sexy Lager features a scratch-'n-see package that reveals naked bathing beauties. In the US, the FDA issued a warning to Redux Beverages for marketing an energy drink called Cocaine. While the drink contains no drugs the label and Web site call it "Speed in a Can," "Liquid Cocaine, " and "Cocaine—Instant Rush." The Connecticut Attorney general said "Our goal is to literally flush cocaine down the drain across the nation." And finally, beverage giant Anheuser-Busch pulled Spykes malt beverage amid criticism that the caffeinated alcoholic beverage was too attractive to under-age drinkers.
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
What's in store for CPGs in 2025 and beyond? Packaging World editors explore the survey responses from 118 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG Packaging World readers for its new Annual Outlook Report.
Download
Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics