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M&S to change name of 'Porn Star Martini' following complaint

Retailer Marks & Spencer has been told to change the name its Porn Star Martini, following a ...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.08 28 Aug 2019


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M&S to change name of 'Por...

M&S to change name of 'Porn Star Martini' following complaint

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.08 28 Aug 2019


Share this article


Retailer Marks & Spencer has been told to change the name its Porn Star Martini, following a complaint.

The complainant was concerned that the use of the word 'Porn Star' linked the alcoholic product to sexual success.

This is because 'porn stars' are idolised as people who have sexual success and are paid for doing so, the complaint claims.

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An independent complaints panel found that even though there was nothing else on the packaging which created an association with sexual activity, the name 'Porn Star Martini' was enough of an association because of the established definition of a 'porn star'.

The Portman Group - the body responsible for drinks producers in the UK - also found that since other retailers and online cocktail recipes referred to this alcoholic cocktail as a 'Passion Fruit Martini', M&S did not need to refer to the drink as a 'Porn Star Martini'.

On this basis, the panel upheld the complaint against the product.

Porn Star Martini File photo

A Porn Star, or Passion Fruit, Martini is typically made up of vodka, passion fruit purée, vanilla syrup, pineapple and passion fruit.

A Marks & Spencer spokesperson said: "Porn Star Martini is a common name for a passion fruit cocktail drink.

"Our product launched in September 2018 and quickly became one of our most popular cocktails.

"However, as a Portman Group co-signatory, we respect the ruling and will be changing the name to Passion Star Martini."

Commenting on the decision, a Portman Group spokesperson added: "This decision by the independent complaints panel reminds producers that they should always steer away from using imagery or names that are associated with sexual activity in marketing and labelling.

"Producers should think carefully about what is conveyed by the overall impression of the product and speak to our advisory service if in any doubt."

Attempts to contact Marks & Spencer to clarify if the Irish market is affected by this decision were unsuccessful at the original time of publication.


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Complaint Drinks Producers M&S Marks & Spencer Marks & Spencer Ireland Porn Star Porn Star Martini The Portman Group

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