CCP targets beverage manufacturers

Fifteen companies under investigation for deceptive marketing practices

ISLAMABAD:

The Competition Commission of Pakistan has initiated action against fifteen beverage manufacturers for allegedly disseminating false and misleading information through their product packaging, according to a press statement released on Friday.

The initial scrutiny revealed that these manufacturers prominently display images of multiple fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants on their packaging, creating the impression that the products are purely extracted from these ingredients or contain their pulps, pastes, or natural flavours. The CCP noted significant differences between the packaging of products sold in Pakistan and those exported to international markets. Variations were observed in the depicted ingredients and ingredient descriptions on the same labels. Notably, two well-known manufacturers omitted similar fruit graphics on products intended for international markets, indicating a deliberate attempt to mislead Pakistani consumers.

These misrepresentations fall under deceptive marketing as per Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010.