Red Bull Wins Court Reprieve Over ‘Energy Drink’ Label in India

The Delhi High Court has overturned an Indian food regulator’s order preventing Red Bull from describing its products as “energy drinks.” The court said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had taken the decision without giving Red Bull an opportunity to present its views.

The ruling also provides relief to other companies including Pepsi, Monster Beverage and Reliance, which had privately raised concerns about the labeling restriction. The regulator had ordered high-caffeine beverage makers to stop using the “energy drink” description in June, citing regulatory requirements in a market expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2028.

The FSSAI is expected to appeal the court ruling on public health grounds, according to a government official. Energy drinks have faced scrutiny over their caffeine, sugar and taurine content, while Red Bull had argued that the sudden labeling restriction created uncertainty for its existing and planned investments in India.

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