Beverages that make a statement about social and political issues are gaining clout. We wrap up some of the latest hits and misses.
The beverage industry is bolder and brasher than ever. More and more drinks companies are using labels to comment on everything from marriage equality to Australia’s refugee crisis. It’s all fair game.
Sparkk Change Beverage Company, for example, proudly wears its heart on its sleeve when it comes to women’s issues. Its Nipples are Nipples Lemonade makes a play at gender inequality and donates 10 per cent of sales to a range of related causes. With the strapline ‘Made By Women For Everyone’, each of its beverages are aligned with a social change campaign.
Also leading the social commentary brigade is East 9th Brewing, which shot into the spotlight with its Fog City Cloudy Cider Collection last year. Labels displayed statements such as ‘Hey Baird, you’re a...’ and ‘Still hate Tony Abbott’.
Its latest plan is to ‘trademark the colour of beer’ through a new launch. Named ‘Doss Blockos: The Colour of Beer’, its just-released pale ale – and an actual colour trademark – is “an ironic wink at the stupidity of ownership by corporations” says owner Stephen Wools.
