Coop's Malzato Faces Plagiarism Accusations From Wander AG
Swiss retailer Coop is facing allegations of plagiarism for its new malt beverage, Malzato. The product has sparked controversy due to its similarities with Wander AG's popular drink, Ovomaltine. Coop has denied the accusations, maintaining its independence in creating own-brand products.
Malzato's packaging and concept bear striking resemblances to Ovomaltine, with Coop selling it at a significantly lower price of 1.95 francs compared to Wander's 3.40 francs for the same volume. Despite the accusations, Wander AG is currently adopting a 'sporty' approach and has not initiated any legal action.
Coop's expansion into private labels has been robust, with over 1,500 own brands now available, including Betty Bossi, Fine Food, and Karma. Meanwhile, Coop's competitor, Migros, is reducing its own brand range by 80%, citing high costs and a focus on quality.
Coop's Malzato faces plagiarism accusations from Wander AG, but Coop denies these claims. While Wander takes a non-confrontational stance, Coop continues to expand its private label range, offering more affordable alternatives like Malzato.
