ACCC alleges misleading claims by Tasmania Distillery Pty Ltd on spirits

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court in Hobart against Tasmania Distillery Pty Ltd alleging the company misrepresented the place of origin and method of manufacture of its bottled spirit products.

The ACCC alleges that Tasmania Distillery variously misrepresented that its Sullivans Cove Whisky, Red Coats Brandy, Classic Tasmania Mt Wellington Gin and Tasmanian Virgin Vodka were made or distilled by Tasmania Distillery, that their origin was Tasmania, and that they contained or utilised ingredients sourced from Tasmania.

The ACCC alleges that the bottled products in question were sourced from producers interstate or overseas.

It is further alleged that Tasmania Distillery misrepresented that its bottled products were distilled using an Alambic Charentais triple distillation pot still process.

It also alleges that the companys claims that it is the only commercial distillery in Australia are false or misleading.

A directions hearing is set for 14 August 1996 in the Federal Court in Hobart.