Takara Sake Buyer Gets Class Partly Certified in False Ad Case

A consumer case alleging Takara Sake USA Inc. duped consumers into thinking its fermented rice wine was made in Japan will proceed as a class action for purposes of injunctive relief.

The US District Court for the Northern District of California, however, on Monday denied the consumer’s bid for certification of a class for recouping damages for the alleged deception.

Lead plaintiff Colby Tunick said Takara made buyers think its Sho Chiku Bai sakes were made in Japan when they were actually produced in California. Tunick said the brand name, Japanese lettering, and a gold emblem stating “Licensed by TaKaRa ...