AN off licence boss has reportedly lost thousands after being forced to destroy Buckfast Easter eggs that went on sale.
Derek Brennan had to bin the controversial chocolate treats after the firm behind the tonic wine called in Trading Standards.
J. Chandler & Co, which bottles and distributes the drink, took action after it was revealed that Brennan’s d-Bees shop was selling the £9.99 eggs.
The box contained a 140g Nestle chocolate egg, mini Buckfast bottle, d-Bee’s pen, lighter, and magnet, all with Buckfast logos displayed.
Chandlers are considering suing d-Bees for breach of copyright.
Brennan, who is based in Lurgan, County Armagh, claimed he had received orders worth £2000 a day after advertising them.
READ MORE: Buckfast makers ‘taking action’ against the launch of tonic wine Easter egg
Requests were coming in from Scotland, England, Australia and America.
The Sunday Mail reports that Brennan said: “It’s David versus Goliath. All eggs and boxes have been destroyed and everyone got a refund online. I never got to post any orders as we were still only packaging them up but we’ve probably lost £5000.
“We sell Buckfast hampers that Trading Standards say are legal. Our only mistake was printing the logo.”
He has been interviewed, under caution, by Northern Ireland Trading Standards officers.
J Chandler & Co sales manager Stewart Wilson said: “We have the option to take legal action for damages. It was an unofficial Buckfast product.
“As well as being a breach of our trademark, the egg comes with a 5cl miniature of alcohol so we had concerns over public health. A chocolate egg is the wrong place for alcohol.”
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