Australian company’s 'intentionally deceptive' logo receives online backlash
- Replies 31
In this age of conscious consumerism, many Australians are keen to support local products and industries.
Thus, encountering misleading branding can rightly cause a stir amongst shoppers looking to back Australian businesses.
One such controversy has erupted as customers lash out at Cocobella Coconut Water for what has been described as an 'intentionally deceptive' logo.
Cocobella Coconut Water, distributed by the Made Group based in Dandenong, Victoria, has been accused of misleading customers into believing its product is made in Australia.
The logo, which features the company's name superimposed onto a map of Australia, has sparked outrage among consumers, despite the packaging clearly stating that it is a 'Product of Thailand'.
The controversy began when a person on social media noticed the discrepancy and posted a photo with the caption: 'We’re called Thailand now, are we?'.
This sparked a heated online debate, with some defending Cocobella and others expressing their anger and disappointment.
Observers say the issue at hand is not just about the origin of the product, but the perceived intention behind the logo.
‘But it’s completely, intentionally deceptive,’ one consumer wrote.
‘The company name was created with the intent for it to be used in a logo as it is to have the buyer believe the product was made in Australia.’
'That’s very deceptive and I appreciate OP (original poster) for pointing it out. I’ve actually purchased this product a few times and will cease to,' one person wrote.
‘Buying from an overseas producer is a choice people are free to make, and it may be the only option,’ another stated.
‘Deliberately misleading consumers isn't right morally or legally though, even though they have “Made in Thailand” written on there. That logo is dodgy, and they should be smacked down for it.’
In response to the controversy, a Made spokesperson said: 'We are sorry to hear that anyone has felt misled. It was not our intention.’
‘The intention of this mark, which we have used for some time, was to communicate that Cocobella is made by us at the Made Group as an Australian-based business.'
‘As acknowledged, all products do include the appropriate country of origin statements. We take all consumer feedback on board. On reflection, we acknowledge the potential confusion of this mark. As such, we will update this detail on our next run of relevant coconut water packaging.’
Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns that ‘businesses risk breaking the law if they make inaccurate country of origin claims,’ this includes using 'words, images or symbols that suggest a product is from a particular country'.
‘Labelling showing the shape of Italy in the colours of the Italian flag could imply a connection between the product and Italy’, the ACCC’s website said.
Under Australian Consumer Law, companies could also violate the law and be fined for penalties if ‘extra words or images’ are used to ‘create an overall misleading impression’ that a certain product is Aussie-made.
Furthermore, while coconut palms grow in northern Australia, they are still not considered to be a native species, and the majority of coconut products sold in the country come from foreign countries or are made from imported raw ingredients.
Some of the other Cocobella products, such as its strawberry yoghurt, also have the Made branding on a map of Australia, but with an additional triangular kangaroo logo and the words ‘Made in Australia from 52 per cent Australian ingredients’.
An ACCC spokesperson said: ‘Under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses must not mislead or deceive consumers about their goods, including on food labelling.’
‘Special care should be taken when using images or symbols on products to ensure that they do not give a misleading impression. Additional claims or representations should not negate or contradict the information contained in the food product’s country of origin label.’
Remember, as consumers, people have the power to influence businesses through purchasing decisions.
By being informed and vigilant, people can encourage companies to be more transparent and honest in their labelling practices.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you ever felt misled by a product's labelling? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Thus, encountering misleading branding can rightly cause a stir amongst shoppers looking to back Australian businesses.
One such controversy has erupted as customers lash out at Cocobella Coconut Water for what has been described as an 'intentionally deceptive' logo.
Cocobella Coconut Water, distributed by the Made Group based in Dandenong, Victoria, has been accused of misleading customers into believing its product is made in Australia.
The logo, which features the company's name superimposed onto a map of Australia, has sparked outrage among consumers, despite the packaging clearly stating that it is a 'Product of Thailand'.
The company Made Group has been accused online of misleading consumers that their product is made in Australia. Image: Reddit
The controversy began when a person on social media noticed the discrepancy and posted a photo with the caption: 'We’re called Thailand now, are we?'.
This sparked a heated online debate, with some defending Cocobella and others expressing their anger and disappointment.
Observers say the issue at hand is not just about the origin of the product, but the perceived intention behind the logo.
‘But it’s completely, intentionally deceptive,’ one consumer wrote.
‘The company name was created with the intent for it to be used in a logo as it is to have the buyer believe the product was made in Australia.’
'That’s very deceptive and I appreciate OP (original poster) for pointing it out. I’ve actually purchased this product a few times and will cease to,' one person wrote.
‘Buying from an overseas producer is a choice people are free to make, and it may be the only option,’ another stated.
‘Deliberately misleading consumers isn't right morally or legally though, even though they have “Made in Thailand” written on there. That logo is dodgy, and they should be smacked down for it.’
In response to the controversy, a Made spokesperson said: 'We are sorry to hear that anyone has felt misled. It was not our intention.’
‘The intention of this mark, which we have used for some time, was to communicate that Cocobella is made by us at the Made Group as an Australian-based business.'
‘As acknowledged, all products do include the appropriate country of origin statements. We take all consumer feedback on board. On reflection, we acknowledge the potential confusion of this mark. As such, we will update this detail on our next run of relevant coconut water packaging.’
Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns that ‘businesses risk breaking the law if they make inaccurate country of origin claims,’ this includes using 'words, images or symbols that suggest a product is from a particular country'.
‘Labelling showing the shape of Italy in the colours of the Italian flag could imply a connection between the product and Italy’, the ACCC’s website said.
Under Australian Consumer Law, companies could also violate the law and be fined for penalties if ‘extra words or images’ are used to ‘create an overall misleading impression’ that a certain product is Aussie-made.
Furthermore, while coconut palms grow in northern Australia, they are still not considered to be a native species, and the majority of coconut products sold in the country come from foreign countries or are made from imported raw ingredients.
Some of the other Cocobella products, such as its strawberry yoghurt, also have the Made branding on a map of Australia, but with an additional triangular kangaroo logo and the words ‘Made in Australia from 52 per cent Australian ingredients’.
An ACCC spokesperson said: ‘Under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses must not mislead or deceive consumers about their goods, including on food labelling.’
‘Special care should be taken when using images or symbols on products to ensure that they do not give a misleading impression. Additional claims or representations should not negate or contradict the information contained in the food product’s country of origin label.’
Remember, as consumers, people have the power to influence businesses through purchasing decisions.
By being informed and vigilant, people can encourage companies to be more transparent and honest in their labelling practices.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you ever felt misled by a product's labelling? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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