Counterfeit Mumias Sugar impounded

BY KAMAU MAICHUHIE

Mumias, Kenya: Mumias Sugar Company has impounded more than 100 packets of sugar in a go-down in Thika that was packed in counterfeit packets.

The sugar was seized during a swoop carried out by the company officials in Thika after they got a tip off from members of the public.

The company’s Chief Security Officer Osbon Amunga said a company, which is one of their authorised distributors, is packaging the sugar.

“We understand the company is importing sugar from Zambia and repackaging it using packets that closely resemble those of Mumias in order to confuse our customers thereby gaining competitive advantage,” Mr Amunga said.

Amunga accused the company of going against the law by contravening a court order barring the sale of the sugar. There is already a civil suit before the High Court where Mumias Company has sued Option Two Limited for infringing on the trademark of Mumias through the product.

David Wanjala, a senior security officer in charge of operations said the sugar trading under the name Jem Sugar whose packaging exactly resembles that of Mumias is usually placed next to the Mumias Sugar in supermarkets.