Cardi B’s Whipshots brand is facing international turmoil, with a British distributor suing over failed overseas promotions.
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Cardi B’s Whipshots brand has become the center of an international legal battle after a British distributor sued its American owners over a failed overseas launch.
Whipshots are vodka whipped cream drinks co-created with Cardi B and developed by Starco Brands Inc. The product debuted in 2021, with Cardi B boosting her public profile.
Cardi B didn’t sit idly by after the show. She promotes Whipshots on her Instagram feed and at public events directly related to the brand. She celebrated the retail debut, highlighted drinking occasions and used her social influence to keep Whipshots trending long after they hit shelves.
Cardi B’s continued efforts have enabled the brand to sell well over 5 million cans in the United States as Whip Shots expands to major retailers nationwide. Buoyed by this momentum, Starco embarked on an international rollout.
In August 2024, Global Brands Limited agreed to act as the exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland. The agreement includes marketing support and coordination obligations to capitalize on Cardi B’s star power overseas.
The trouble starts when trademark issues arise overseas. According to legal documents obtained by AllHipHop, Starco does not control the Whipshots trademark in the UK and Ireland.
A third party claimed the rights and demanded a halt to all sales.
Global Brands said it was forced to remove Whipshots from stores immediately. The dealer claims the action eliminates revenue and market momentum as holiday sales approach.
The complaint also alleges that Starco failed to fulfill its marketing cooperation related to Cardi B’s participation, including a promise to include her in launch events and promotional events in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Global Brands issued a formal breach notice in October 2025 and subsequently terminated the agreement. The company is currently seeking at least hundreds of thousands in damages related to lost revenue and unrecovered costs.
Although Cardi B has been heavily promoted with the brand, she has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the lawsuit. She is not named as a defendant and is not involved in the legal proceedings against Starco.
