Stoli redesigns spicy vodka following Tabasco lawsuit
Stoli is redesigning its Halapeño Pepper Vodka packaging following a settlement with McIlhenny Company over potential consumer confusion with Tabasco.Summary
Stoli has agreed to redesign the packaging for its Halapeño Pepper Vodka as part of a settlement with the McIlhenny Company, the maker of Tabasco hot sauce. The lawsuit, filed during Stoli Group's bankruptcy proceedings, alleged that Stoli's original bottle design—featuring a narrow neck, red cap, and green label—was confusingly similar to Tabasco's iconic trade dress.
A federal judge ruled in favor of McIlhenny, prohibiting Stoli from infringing on the disputed trade dress or falsely claiming any sponsorship or affiliation between the two brands. The court's decision follows failed collaboration talks between the companies in late 2024.
As a result of the settlement, Stoli's new packaging for the spicy vodka will feature a green cap and a red label, and it will no longer utilize a circular design for the product name.
(Source：Fooddive)