FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Labelling
United Kingdom – Concerned that obesity has been linked to deaths from COVID-19, the UK’s Prime Minister reportedly has planned a consultation to discuss including calories on the labels of bottles and cans of all alcohol beverages, as well as beer pumps and menus.
Studies
Lithuania – A group of researchers from Canada, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania has reportedly launched a study on the impact of a wide range of policies used from 2016 to 2018 in Lithuania to limit access to alcohol beverages. The study will examine the impact on morbidity and mortality, alcohol beverage consumption and harmful effects (including violence and traffic accidents), Lithuania’s economy (including possible negative consequences such as the growth of illicit trade), and the media (from restrictions on alcohol beverage advertising).
Trade
Tariffs on European wine and spirits? – The U.S. Trade Representative reportedly may decide on 12 August 2020 to impose tariffs as high as 100 percent on European wines and spirits because of the European Union’s alleged illegal subsidies to Airbus. The U.S. industry has been offering comments to the USTR, which is accepting comments until 26 July.
Trends
This article includes interviews with those in the Spanish wine industry and touches on the need to adopt novel business approaches in a post COVID-19 economy. This piece includes the views of FIVS member Director General José Luis Benítez of the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV).
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Pregnancy
Australasia – Despite lobbying from alcohol beverage industry representatives, governmental food ministers have reportedly approved the mandatory black, white, and red text label stating “PREGNANCY WARNING: Alcohol can cause lifelong harm to your baby” recommended by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. An amendment to remove the red ink requirement was voted down. Manufacturers must implement the new label on alcohol bottles of 200 ml or more, with smaller bottles to display the pictogram, which will now have to be black, white, and red.
Responsible consumption
South Africa – South Africa’s largest liquor producers reportedly offered to help reduce alcohol beverage consumption after the government recently prohibited the sale of alcohol for a second time this year, citing health concerns. The reintroduction of the ban has hurt the industry, with reported losses of nearly 117,000 jobs during the first moratorium which began in March and ended in June. This has resulted in industry opposition to some of the more restrictive measures.