Beverage giant Asahi is suing a Victorian food manufacturer for allegedly producing mouldy iced tea that was recalled from supermarkets after thirsty shoppers found "cotton ball-like" chunks in bottles.

The Japan-based drinks manufacturer, which turned over $28 billion last year, is seeking costs from Aussie Growers Fruits, after supermarket customers took to Facebook to complain about "hairy" clumps in one-litre bottles of fruit-flavoured iced tea.

Asahi, which owns brands including Peroni and Mountain Goat, is seeking costs for raw materials, loss of potential profits, recall costs and a full reimbursement of almost $45,000 paid to Aussie Growers for more than 100,000 bottles of Real Iced Tea.

In a statement, Asahi said some batches were recalled after they failed to meet quality standards. "Real Iced Tea products currently in the market are exclusively made by us," reads the statement.