New labeling regulations for wine
New labeling rules for wine and aromatized wine products have been in effect since December 8, 2023. EU Regulation 2021/2117 stipulates that nutritional and ingredient information must be included on wine labels. However, there are specific requirements that differ from those for other food and beverage products. In this blog post, winemakers and wine producers will learn everything they need to know about this topic!
Energy label on packaging is mandatory
The Food Information Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 governs how the nutritional values and ingredients of food products must be declared. While wine producers are required to comply with these regulations, they are still not required to print the full information on the label.
Instead, the required nutrition declaration on the packaging (or a label attached to it) may be limited to energy content. This can be expressed using the symbol ‘E’ for energy. The energy value must be stated in kilojoules (kJ) per 100 ml. In addition, it is common to also list the energy value in the now-obsolete unit kilocalories (kcal), as this is more familiar to most consumers.
With the exception of allergens, ingredients do not have to be listed directly on the label.
Additional information via 'e-label'
Complete information on nutritional values (carbohydrates, sugars, fat, protein, salt) and all ingredients (detailed EU regulations for aromatized wine products are not yet known) can be made available electronically. In this context, the term 'e-label for wine' is also used.
In many industries, it has already proven effective to include a QR code on product packaging, which consumers can easily scan using their standard cell phone camera. Modern smartphones no longer even require a separate barcode scanner app. If they do, there are plenty of (free) options available in the pre-installed app stores.
Scanning the QR code takes you to a website where additional labeling information about the wine can be provided “off-label.” Note: Access to this information must not be linked to sales or marketing purposes. Furthermore, no user data may be collected or tracked in the process! Those who cannot or do not wish to create such a website themselves can contact an e-label service provider for the wine industry.
Solutions for applying QR codes on wine bottles
The labeling of your glass bottles must be precise and fast. Our labeling systems are modular and can be adapted to your labeling station in an optimal way. The labeling machine can also be installed on the press.
Thanks to a thermal inkjet printer, you can print the QR code on the label containing the information required by the regulation. This allows you to easily change the QR code according to the products and to be totally flexible.
As a full-service provider for labeling and coding solutions, we also offer blank and pre-printed labels for the wine industry. We manufacture these in our own production facility so that we can offer you top quality at an affordable price and with quick delivery times
Please feel free to contact us for personal consultation and price offers!
