MARYLAND Distributors Inc. (MDI), the new Philippine importer of Red Bull energy drinks, has been cleared of charges of tampering of labels by a Benguet court.

The case was filed by Energy Food and Drinks Inc., the former distributor of Red Bull in the country.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 62 in La Trinidad, Benguet granted the motion to withdraw the criminal information against officials of MDI following a Department of Justice (DOJ) ruling that the case was not criminal in nature.

For this reason, the DOJ asked the provincial prosecutor of Benguet province to withdraw the case against the officials of MDI.

“Wherefore, finding the prosecutor’s motion to withdraw information in order, the same is hereby granted.  The criminal information in this case is hereby deemed withdrawn,” said La Trinidad RTC judge Danilo Camacho in his ruling.

MDI was accused by Energy Food and Drinks of allegedly tampering with the label of the product when it stated it was the authorized importer of Red Bull. 

In response, MDI said the stickers on the label speak the truth.  “We are the authorized Philippine importer of Red Bull Supreme Energy Drinks in the Philippines,” the company said.

T.C. Pharmaceutical, the Thai manufacturer of Red Bull, terminated its distribution agreement with Energy Food and Drinks in August 2008 and issued a certification of the terminated contract effective October 31, 2008 on May 22, 2009. 

On May 22, 2009, T.C. Pharmaceutical appointed MDI as the authorized and exclusive importer of Red Bull Energy Drink in the Philippines.  In December last year, the Thai manufacturer issued a certificate formalizing the appointment of MDI as the importer of Red Bull Supreme and Red Bull sugar-free energy drinks in the Philippines until December 31, 2015.