The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has accused Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Bottling Company of misleading consumers with their product descriptions. According to the FCCPC, the companies violated regulations by labeling their “Original Taste, Less Sugar” variant as similar to the “Original Taste” variant in formulation.
In a statement issued to Daily Post, the FCCPC outlined that Coca-Cola Nigeria and NBC were found in breach of Section 116 of the FCCPC Act and Section 124 (1)(a) of the Commission’s Establishment Act. The Commission’s investigation revealed that the “Less Sugar” variant was marketed in a way that could mislead consumers into thinking it was not substantially different from the “Original Taste” product.
The FCCPC noted that while penalties are still pending, a Final Order was issued to Coca-Cola and NBC on July 29, 2024. The order highlights misleading trade descriptions and unfair marketing tactics, emphasizing that the “Less Sugar” packaging was not sufficiently distinguishable from the “Original Taste” product.
As of this report, Coca-Cola has not yet responded to the allegations.
