AB intro of Bacardi Silver will be delayed in a couple of states by brand extension laws. In West Virginia, state ABC wrote AB letter that said in no uncertain terms that AB "must offer Bacardi Silver to Bacardi" distribs there. Looks like AB holdin’ off for now there. Recall that Bacardi already has low-alc product once called Bacardi Breezer; had recently switched name to just Breezer. There will be delay in NC too. NC distrib assn atty wrote that for “some short recent period Bacardi has packaged its current product as ‘Breezer’ but the Bacardi name remains on the packaging,” which means Silver would be considered a brand extension under NC law. A few years back in NC, there were lawsuits over whether Molson Ice brand extension, with pre-existing Molson distribs eventually prevailing.
Brand Extension: Here We Go Again?
Publishing Info
- Newsletter: INSIGHTS Express
- Published: 01/16/2002
- Volume: 3
- Issue #: 72