Key facts
- PepsiCo warned of nationwide stockouts within two months if the "energy drink" label ban continues.
- Rival Red Bull has a court reprieve, while PepsiCo, Monster, and Reliance Consumer can only sell existing stock.
- The FSSAI ordered makers of high-caffeine drinks to drop the "energy drink" term in June due to health concerns.
PepsiCo warned an Indian court on Thursday that a continued ban on the "energy drink" label could lead to nationwide stockouts within two months, as rival Red Bull has secured a temporary reprieve. PepsiCo's lawyer, Sandeep Sethi, told the Delhi High Court that the company's competitors are able to manufacture their products, while PepsiCo, Monster, and Reliance Consumer are restricted to selling existing inventory. The FSSAI ordered makers of high-caffeine drinks to drop the "energy drink" term in June due to health concerns. PepsiCo argued that starting over would disrupt its entire distribution system, as cans are already bought and printed. The court has not yet ruled on the ban's merits, with the next hearing scheduled for October 30.