Beverage Makers Served A Reminder By Kombucha False Advertising Case

Anyone who has strolled the supermarket alcohol aisle in recent months may fairly stand in awe of the proliferation of boozy and not-so-boozy drinks in pretty packages, with small cans and pastel colors making it difficult to immediately discern whether they contain alcohol and, if so, how much. According to Nielsen data, in 2021, off-premise sales of no- and low-alcoholic beverages were $3.1 billion, up from $291 million the year before, with 30% predicted growth by 2024. As more low and no-alcohol products come to market, beverage makers will have to navigate the jurisdictional and labeling regulations, which can be tricky, as illustrated by a recently-filed false advertising case involving allegedly boozy kombucha.