Portman Group raps 'sperm' packs

The Portman Group has condemned three alcohol-based products due to their appeal to under-18s.

It found that two vodka jelly products, Buzzpots and Tubz, as well as X-Plode, a cream liqueur in a sperm-shaped container, to be in breach of the drinks industry's code of practice.

As a result, Tubz, Buzzpots and X-Plode must either be withdrawn from the market or repackaged to comply with the code of practice.

Portman Group chief executive Jean Coussins singled out the importer of X-Plode, Pinsight Financial Services, for criticism, saying its "main business apparently is not alcoholic drinks".

She added: "Responsible drinks producers seek pre-launch advice free of charge from the Portman Group."

X-Plode's label features the line 'Keep 'em coming'. It was ruled that in addition to appealing to underage drinkers, the drink was being associated with sexual success.

Pinsight owner Lee Anthony said: "We have been selling this product in Europe for three-and-a-half years and will be making complaints to the European Commission."

Buzzpots brightly-coloured vodka jellies feature the line 'Wobble it and gobble it' on the packaging and are also thought to have underage appeal. Buzzpots are made by The Tubular Drinks Company, which said in a statement: "We disagree strongly with the finding of the Portman Group and feel that our product is not particularly attractive to under-18s."

Tubz, produced by Strelley Enterprises, was condemned for similar reasons, but its owner has agreed on changes to packaging. In a statement, it said: "We have reached agreement with the Portman Group on a new label for the Tubz product."

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