Bollinger distributor threatens legal action over Folc advert

Champagne Bollinger’s UK distributor Mentzendorff & Co has sent a cease and desist letter to English winemaker Folc following a social media advert which referenced ‘Bollie’.

 

The post, promoting Folc’s new English sparkling rosé, contained the tagline: “None of the same old Bollie … It’s not Champagne, it’s pink champers.”

 

According to The Times, Mentzendorff’s letter accused Folc of “denigrating” its trademark and that the advert “self-evidently attempts to divert orders from consumers and traders away from Bollinger to the potential detriment of our clients”.

 

The English brand, which works with vineyards across Kent, Suffolk and Sussex, has now paused the advert and sought legal advice.

 

Folc co-founder Tom Cannon told The Caterer: “The advert was intended as a bit of British wit, celebrating English sparkling wine and having fun with the language around Champagne.

 

“We were surprised by the aggressive response from Bollinger’s distributor, Mentzendorff & Co, particularly given the advert was clearly playful and not intended to mislead anyone. Given the size of our business, we don’t have the resources to pursue a legal battle.”

 

He added: “While it’s been an unexpected situation, it also highlights the growing strength and confidence of English wine, which is now producing 12 million bottles annually. We hope this sparks a conversation about how English sparkling wines are coming into their own and gaining recognition on the international stage.”

 

Victoria Symons, partner at UK law firm Cripps, said: “One of the world’s biggest Champagne houses seems genuinely rattled by what’s happening in the English wine trade. And with good reason: English sparkling wine continues to sweep up international awards, even outshining some of the French heavyweights.

 

“English wine remains something to celebrate, rooted in local communities, committed to sustainability, and proudly producing world-class bottles. No wonder Bollinger might be feeling a little on edge!”

 

Folc was founded by Tom and Elisha Cannon in 2019 and now comprises a team of six. It uses seven grape varieties to produce around 100,000 bottles of still and sparkling rosé each year.

 

French Champagne house Renaudin Bollinger was established in 1829 in Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, with the label becoming solely Bollinger in the 1960s.

 

Having a more than 45-year association with the James Bond films, the brand recently launched a Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition (pictured).

 

Champagne Bollinger declined to comment, while Mentzendorff & Co did not respond to a request for comment.