In the US, coffeehouse chain Starbucks is facing complaints from consumers because some fruit drinks do not contain the main ingredient that gives it its name. U.S. District Judge John Cronan in Manhattan on Monday denied the company’s request to dismiss the bulk of a class-action lawsuit. After all, many consumers expect that their drinks actually contain the fruit stated in their name.
Customers had complained, among other things, that there was no mango in Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade and no passion fruit in Pineapple Passionfruit Lemonade. Plaintiffs Joan Kominis of Astoria, New York, and Jason McAllister of Fairfield, California, said the main ingredients were water, grape juice concentrate and sugar. The names were misleading and led to high prices. This violates consumer protection laws in their states.
The company argues: Customers can ask employees
Starbucks argued that the product names describe the taste of the drinks and not their ingredients. The flavors are advertised on the drink menus. A normal customer does not have to be confused either, because employees can resolve confusion if consumers have questions.
Other products contain exactly what they say
However, Judge Cronan said that, unlike the term ‘vanilla’, which has been the subject of many court cases, there was nothing to indicate that ‘mango’ or ‘passion fruit’ were terms that would normally be understood as just a flavor , without actually containing the ingredient. Additionally, there may be confusion because other Starbucks products actually contain the ingredients listed in their names. The Ice Matcha Tea Latte Matcha and Honey Citrus Mint Tea contain honey and mint.
The lawsuit demands damages of at least five million dollars (4.69 million euros). Attorney Robert Abiri said he looks forward to representing the plaintiffs’ class.
Source: Krone
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