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Lawmakers urge boycott of Diageo

From left, PFP lawmakers Lee Hung-chun, Kao Ming-chien and Liu Wen-hsiung smash wine bottles during a press conference yesterday to protest the British brewery Diageo's controversial ads and urge a boycott of its products. PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES

Opposition Taiwanese lawmakers yesterday launched an island-wide campaign to boycott the alcoholic products of Diageo and demanded that the government sue the British brewery for defaming Taiwan's merchandise image.

"If we can't do anything to besiege Diageo [internationally], we can at least stop importing its products and ask our people to stop buying or drinking its liquor," said PFP Legislator Shen Chih-hui (沈智慧).

Her comment came after Diageo, supplier of Johnny Walker Red and Black labels and J&B whisky, put up a controversial advertisement which Taipei claimed defamed the image of Taiwan goods.

The ad, displayed last week at London's subway stations, read: "Warning. This gift will break down on Christmas morning. Replacement parts available from service center Box No. 260 Taiwan. Allow 365 working days for delivery."

The commercial immediately drew protests from Taiwan and the Foreign Ministry demanded that the British brewery apologize and post similar ads at London's subway stations to boost the image of Taiwan products.

The British firm later removed the ads and ran a half-page advertisement in Taiwan to apologize. "It is highly unreasonable for Diageo to trample on our national dignity given the fact that it has earned more than NT$5 billion from the marketing of its products in Taiwan," Shen said.
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