Spirits producers lead way in energy info on labels
Ireland has the highest level of energy on-pack labels, significantly exceeding the 25% threshold, reaching up to 38% coverage.
The MoU commits European spirits companies to print energy information on the labels of products and provide online ingredients listings (including raw materials used).
It states that one quarter of spirits bottles sold must display energy information by the end of 2020, rising to half by the end of 2021 and two-thirds by the end of 2022.
In 2019, Drinks Ireland|Spirits, which represents spirits producers here, signed the European Commission-recognised Europe-wide MoU to provide consumers with clear information regarding the energy content of their products and the ingredients used in their manufacture.
The MoU was also signed by spiritsEUROPE which released this progress report on the first implementation milestone for this MoU.
The report states that Ireland has the highest level of energy on-pack labels, significantly exceeding the 25% threshold, reaching up to 38% coverage.
While Ireland is leading the way, the report shows a high level of compliance and rapid progress across the EU.
On average, around 25% of all spirits drinks in the markets analysed include on-label energy information in conformity with the MoU.
“Ireland’s spirits industry is committed to providing consumers with clear and concise information so they can make informed decisions about their purchases,” said the Head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits Vincent McGovern, “It’s fantastic to see that the industry here has gone above and beyond the commitments set out in this voluntary MoU and are committed to the continued speedy rollout in the coming years.”
The MoU will ensure that consumers across the EU are provided with information in an effective and harmonised manner, helping governments and regulators meet their policy goals and providing a long-term framework for labelling.
