The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) has signed a Europe-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will 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 the sector’s European trade association, spiritsEUROPE, as well as a number of other trade groups and companies.
The MoU commits European spirits companies to print energy information on the labels of products and provide online ingredients listings, including raw materials used.
The provisions will result in the inclusion of energy labelling on one quarter of spirits bottles placed on the EU market by next year, rising to two thirds by 2022.
"Hugely Positive"
ABFI director Patricia Callan stated, "[This] development is hugely positive. The text of the MoU is clear and concise, giving spirits companies the clarity they need to implement the measures within an ambitious timeline.
"This MoU is a voluntary agreement recognised by the European Commission, and is the product of many months of engagement between industry and the Commission. Signatories have committed to monitoring its impact and effectiveness now and into the future.
"This collaborative approach at EU level is the best way to ensure consumers get the information they need in the most effective and efficient way. Our industry is proud of the products it makes and this ground-breaking commitment highlights the role we can play in informing consumers and helping governments and regulators meet their policy goals."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
