Imported bulk spirits

Press, 18 May 1984, Page 12

Imported bulk spirits

Sir, — I understand that a company is bringing Fijian-made molasses-based bulk gin and vodka into New Zealand for bottling and resale in bottle stores and bars. It seems that our laws requiring manufacturers to identify the source and base materials used in spirits are somewhat wanting. All that is required is to state the place of bottling on the label. Those who think they are buying a genuine grain-based spirit may be getting something far removed. Meanwhile, New Zealand companies producing spirits are required, by law, to create their products from strictly quality-con-trolled base materials. These obviously make a better, and more expensive to manufacture, spirit. New Zealand companies, therefore, have to face competition from cheap imports that do not have to meet the same stringent controls. This is grossly unfair. The cheaper, imported molasses-based products should be identified. — Yours, etc., GRAHAM HARDING. May 16, 1984.