A slate of terms to describe low-alcohol and no-alcohol wines is set to be unveiled by the European Commission in a bid to support the growing market segment, according to a draft regulation seen by Euractiv.
The European Commission is set to propose a new marketing term, "de-alcoholized wine," for wines that have had their alcohol content removed, aiming to clarify labeling and marketing standards within the EU. This initiative comes in response to the growing market for low and no-alcohol beverages, driven by health-conscious consumers and regulatory pressures. The term "de-alcoholized" would apply to wines with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.5% ABV, distinguishing them from traditional wines. This proposal seeks to address the current lack of specific EU regulations for such products, which has led to confusion and potential mislabeling. The move is part of a broader effort to adapt to consumer trends while ensuring transparency and protecting the integrity of wine as a product. The proposal will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) on 28 February.
Food & Wine
Thu, March 6, 2025
