The Supreme Court has decided to end the debate over the identity of the popular brand "Nimbooz"

The Supreme Court has agreed to give its verdict on the identity of the popular soft-drink 'Nimbooz', launched by PepsiCo in 2013. According to the the current categorization, based on a decision by the Allahabad bench of Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in November last year, the bench of justices Dilip Gupta and P Venkata Subba Rao categorized 'Nimbooz' as a fruit juice-based drink, because of which it came under tariff Item 2202 90 20 of the Central Excise Tariff.

But a company named Aradhana Foods, has decided to file a petition against the ruling and to reconsider the status of the soft-drink, and categorize it as lemonade, instead of fruit-based juice. The SC is expected to give the verdict in April.

It is to be noted that 'Nimbooz' was marketed as a fruit-based drink containing real lemon juice and no fizz and no added flavours.

Report by Chetan

Graphics by Pragya