“Red Bull gives you wings,” the popular slogan we all know so well. We have been visually brainwashed with the two bulls butting heads. Red bull is the highest selling energy drink in the world, with 5.387 billion cans sold in 2013. However, Red Bull recently lost a lawsuit to consumers for misleading them with their popular slogan.
The plaintiff claimed they promoted false advertising its benefits of increased performance and reaction in speed that is not backed up with scientific evidence. According to Buzzfeed news, one plaintiff said, “despite drinking the product since 2002, he saw no improvement in his athletic performance.” Yet, Read Bull representatives still claim any wrongdoing or liability because their marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate.
This is not a good look for Red Bull’s company but the consumers or anymore bought the energy drink between Jan. 1, 2002, and Oct. 3, 2014, either $10 cash refund or $15 worth of Red Bull products. The settlement included Read Bull to pay $13 million to consumers. A hearing will be held on May 1, 2015 to decide whether the settlement will be approved. If the court approves the settlement, payment will be distributed 150 days later (pending appeals). The consumers must claim their refund be registering online at http://energydrinksettlement.com/claim by March 2, 2015. Proof of purchase is required so I suggesting signing up now before the decline.
As a public relations specialist I think this is good press. The company will lose a significant amount of money to “us civilians” but what is $13 million to the billions in sales. The case against Red Bull wasn’t successful but I’m assuming the sales will not decrease. The energy drink is still popular and I surly enjoy it with my vodka. When your intoxicated it does give me wings. How do you drink your Red Bull?