Aussie brewer apologises over Hindu labels

Australian brewer Brookvale has apologised “for any distress” caused to the Hindu community after it printed a label with deities Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi on its alcoholic ginger beer bottles.

As reported in db earlier this week, many in the Hindu community were offended by the labels, with some even threatening legal action. But the brewer has apologised for any offence caused and has started the process of removing the images.

In a statement the brewer said: “We have subsequently apologised for any distress caused and begun the process of removing the images from the website. We’re lovers, not fighters, we want to make it right… We are now focused on redesigning the Ginger Beer which hopefully all can be happy with.

“It seems we have unintentionally offended our Hindu friends with the imagery on our Ginger Beer packaging. Brookvale Union is about great tasting, fun beverages and not about disrespecting anyone or their beliefs.”

The brewer has now has asked “graphic designers, artists, and even doodlers” to come up with a better design by November 24, and is reportedly urging them not to use imagery that may be deemed offensive.

The president of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, calling juxtaposed images of Ganesh and Lakshmi on a beer bottle “highly inappropriate”, has thanked and commended the brewery for having an understanding for the hurt feelings of Hindu community and for taking quick action in apologising and announcing its redesign.

In an email to Zed on November 12, the brewer wrote: “It was not intended to cause any offence. With the recent feedback brought to our attention, we will be re-designing our bottles and packaging.”