A California jury ruled in favor of The Coca-Cola Co. last week regarding a false-advertising lawsuit brought on by POM Wonderful LLC. The suit alleged Coke had misled consumers in the labeling of one of its Minute Maid juice drinks.
POM, which filed the case in 2008, sought approximately $78 million in damages, alleging the labeling, marketing and advertising of Coca-Cola’s pomegranate and blueberry juice misled consumers and caused unfair competition. Coke argued it had followed the law and was in full compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
The juice in question, a Minute Maid pomegranate-blueberry juice blend, contained 0.3 percent of pomegranate juice and 99.4 percent of cheaper apple and grape juices. Coke discontinued the beverage in 2014 due to poor sales.
In a statement to Courthouse News, POM said it was disappointed in the decision, believing Coke “intentionally confused consumers.”