Couldn't decide whether to post this here, or in the CASAA forum, but figured I'd start here.
I was thinking about this in another thread. There seem to be a number of distributors out there who advertise this flavor or that (especially the blends or exotic flavors), which end up either tasting like poo (being polite here), or they taste nothing like what was advertised. For example, I recently purchased a butterscotch that I *do* like, but it tastes more like a caramel than any other "caramel" I have tried so far.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a libertarian, so the last thing I want is the government sticking their big nose into this. So I would like to offer some market alternatives:
Beer and Wine! We all know of sponsored events where the brewers or vintners compete for prestigious medals; where respected judges evaluate the entries and award bronze/silver/gold medals, blue ribbons, whatever; and rate the submissions on a point system. I would like to see this happen with e-liquids. I think such competition would benefit overall quality and innovation, serve to share ideas, and serve as a great marketing tool for the best entries. This could take place at the established conventions; take place alongside other events, or as standalone events in different parts of the country.
Industry group self-regulation; where all the trade organizations get together, establish and monitor a fair and uniform standard of ethics in flavor labeling, and companies signing on to those standards would get a seal of approval to post on their web site, much like the UL self-regulates safety standards for the electrical industry.
Just food for thought/discussion for any industry folks hanging out here.
I was thinking about this in another thread. There seem to be a number of distributors out there who advertise this flavor or that (especially the blends or exotic flavors), which end up either tasting like poo (being polite here), or they taste nothing like what was advertised. For example, I recently purchased a butterscotch that I *do* like, but it tastes more like a caramel than any other "caramel" I have tried so far.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a libertarian, so the last thing I want is the government sticking their big nose into this. So I would like to offer some market alternatives:
Beer and Wine! We all know of sponsored events where the brewers or vintners compete for prestigious medals; where respected judges evaluate the entries and award bronze/silver/gold medals, blue ribbons, whatever; and rate the submissions on a point system. I would like to see this happen with e-liquids. I think such competition would benefit overall quality and innovation, serve to share ideas, and serve as a great marketing tool for the best entries. This could take place at the established conventions; take place alongside other events, or as standalone events in different parts of the country.
Industry group self-regulation; where all the trade organizations get together, establish and monitor a fair and uniform standard of ethics in flavor labeling, and companies signing on to those standards would get a seal of approval to post on their web site, much like the UL self-regulates safety standards for the electrical industry.
Just food for thought/discussion for any industry folks hanging out here.
