Portman audit questions 32 drinks products

by Staff Brand Republic 28-Mar-08, 15:50

LONDON - An independent audit has found that 32 drinks products, mostly alcopops, could fall foul of the Portman Group's code of practice on the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks.

The alcohol manufacturers now have four months to make design changes, to avoid further investigation by the Independent Complaints Panel, which can make decisions resulting in the removal of a drink from sale.

Despite this, an independent audit found high levels of compliance with the drinks body's Code of Practice.

Management consultancy PIPC collected a random sample of 485 drinks, before assessing their packaging against the code, with just 32 products raising concerns.

David Poley, chief executive of the Portman Group, said: "This independent audit has confirmed that most alcohol packaging is manifestly compliant with the code. It has, though, raised concerns about a number of drinks, including some well-known brands.

"Our Code Advisory Service will give confidential advice to these drinks' producers who may alter their packaging or opt for an Independent Complaints Panel decision."