Portman Group don't get hard on libido enhancing drink

From: Energy 69
Published: Mon Jul 11 2005


Energy 69, the UK’s first available ‘over the counter’ libido enhancing soft drink, is outside the Portman Group’s code of practice, which bans any alcoholic product that suggests a link to sexual success. A displeased Sam Jobber, Portman spokeswoman, stated*: "There isn’t anything we can say on the matter because it (Energy 69) is a soft drink."

The drink derives its sexual connotations from the claims of Horny Goat Weed (used by the Chinese for over 2000 years to boost libido, enhance erectile function and combat fatigue) – the same ingredient that caused Roxxoff (known as "Viagra pop") to fall foul of The Portman Group’s code of practice in 2003 and result in a ban on the drink. A hugely disgruntled David Poley, director of policy and good practice at The Portman Group, comments**: "There are advertising laws in place that should stop companies making outrageous and unsubstantiated claims for their products."

Comments Richard Horwell, Director of Energy 69 Ltd: "We’re not claiming anything, the ingredients in Energy 69 have been used as aphrodisiacs and energy boosters by ancient civilisations for thousands of years. If you walk into any high-street health-food shop you’ll see Horny Goat Weed on sale as a natural and healthy alternative to products like Viagra***. The drink is all about having fun and that seems to have been lost on some people – maybe I should them over a case of the drink for their office party?"

Energy 69 is the perfect summer drink that mixes well as a cocktail. The great tasting, non-carbonated, passion fruit flavoured drink is full of natural ingredients and unlike most energy drinks tastes great, it makes for a refreshing start to the day or to raise your spirits late in the night.

Other ingredients include Guarana Seed (found over 300 years ago in the Amazon Basin, the seed that claims to stimulate saggy spirits and is a potent aphrodisiac) and Damiana Leaf (used by the Mayan civilisation, the natural aphrodisiac is said to increase the sperm count in men and strengthen the egg in women).

Adds Horwell: "We’re creating a few smiles with the point-of-sale because our t-shirts for the bar staff sport the slogans ‘I Love To Swallow…Energy 69’ and ‘I Love The Taste of a 69’, and flyers with ‘69-ways to oral pleasure’, it’s just our way of getting people to taste this refreshing drink. At The Pub and Bar Show this year, a whole range of people, young and old, were queuing up to buy the t-shirts for £10 each, so they can’t be that offended."

Those wishing to stock Energy 69, or host a Party, should telephone 01844 204 220 or email sales@energy69uk.com for more details. For pictures of the Energy 69 girls visit the website at www.energy69uk.com.


Ends:

Press: For further information or photography please call Jamie Fox at Fox Vincent Associates on 020 7808 7151 or email jamie.fox@foxvincent.co.uk


Notes to Editors:

*Sam Jobber’s comments, Portman Group spokeswoman, were reported in The Morning Advertiser (23 June 2005)

**David Poley’s comments, director of policy and good practice at The Portman Group, were reported in The Publican Newspaper (5 July 2004).

***Marketed as a natural aphrodisiac, Holland & Barrett sell 20 capsules of Horny Goat Weed & Macca for £19.99
Company: Energy 69
Contact Name: Jamie Fox
Contact Email: jamie.fox@foxvincent.co.uk
Contact Phone: 02078087151

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