spiritsEUROPE, which represents the spirits industry across Europe, has welcomed the new Spirit Drinks Regulation by the European Union, which establishes rules for the production and labelling of more than 240 spirit drinks with Geographical Indications (GIs).
The legislation, enacted by the European Council, has been established to prevent the trade of fake GI spirts across Europe, while also clarifying certain definitions for spirits such as London Gin and vodka, as well as product origin.
Geographical Indication
“After so many years of discussions, it is a great relief to see the conclusion of the new Regulation, as it lays down the rules for the production and labelling of all spirits sold in the EU and for the protection of those EU spirits bearing a Geographical Indication”, said Ulrich Adam, director general of spiritsEUROPE.
“The law is a central piece of legislation for the spirits sector, as it creates an effective, harmonised framework which protects consumers and producers alike.”
At the same time, however, the Council insisted that the new law should no longer allow the definitions of individual spirits to be updated, whether to respond to innovation or to address practical problems, which was described as a 'step backwards' by spiritsEUROPE.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the negotiators for the work they have undertaken on this comprehensive technical regulation," Adam added. "The new legislative framework will support a sector that is among the EU’s largest and most valuable agri-food exporters and is driving the global reputation of Europe for high-quality products."
Announcing the new regulations, the European Council said that they ensure "clearer labelling of spirit drinks will be guaranteed across the EU and that their composition will be harmonised at EU level".
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
