Pepsi True back on Amazon after product disappeared from catalogue amid pressure from environmentalist groups

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Amazon has reinstated Pepsi True's page on its website after the listing was flooded with negative reviews from environmentalist groups over its "irresponsible" use of palm oil.

The campaign was led by activist group SumOfUs.org and the Rainforest Action Network coinciding with the launch of Pepsi's stevia drink- Pepsi True- which is sold exclusively on Amazon.

They inundated Pepsi True's page with hundreds of 1-star negative reviews, criticising the American drinks giant for its “failure” to commit to more sustainable palm oil policies.

The American drinks giant said it was victim of an "orchestrated effort" to sabotage the launch of Pepsi True with "artificial" product reviews containing "misleading" information.

Searches for Pepsi True redirected users to Amazon's homepage and the product appeared to have vanished from its catalogue entirely, effectively shutting its distribution channel.

“Pepsi can't hide from the destruction that it refuses to eliminate from its supply chain" said Kaytee Riek, campaign director at SumOfUs. "It could rise above its competitors and do the right thing, but instead it has relied on half measures."

She added: “It remains to be seen whether Pepsi True will be reinstated on Amazon, but one thing’s for sure — when consumers can interact with brands in such an immediate and direct way, at least they’ll have to rethink their policies first.”

In May, Pepsi pledged it would only use palm oil from suppliers who are members of the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) by 2016, but environmentalist groups argue its policies don't go far enough to guarantee its supply chain will be free from deforestation and social conflict.

Sum of Us said it would continue to campaign until Pepsi takes a more “responsible” approach.

Amazon did not return a request for comment.