Suzie’s gets a restraining order
By Terry Murry on Thursday, February 11th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PORTLAND – U.S. Federal Court Judge Michael Simon has found that Anheuser-Busch made false and deceptive claims in its advertising for Michelob ULTRA Hard Organic Seltzers in a suit brought by Suzie’s Brewery Co. of Pendleton.
The giant brewery claimed in its ads that its product was the first and the only organic hard seltzer on the market. Suzie’s organic hard cider was actually certified organic on June 1, 2020. The Michelob product was certified on Aug. 19, 2020.
Suzie’s product is sold in six states including Oregon. The Anheuser-Busch product is sold nationally, with the exception of Utah. For that reason, the judge will allow the company to say it has the first organic hard seltzer to be sold nationally.
The restraining order is in effect for 28 days while both sides in the suit determine their next steps. “The court finds that Anheuser-Busch’s challenged statements are not truthful; they are false and deceptive.” Simon wrote in his ruling.
