spiritsEUROPE is excited to share a recent positive development for Europe’s small and medium-sized (SME) GI spirits producers and independent brands. Together with Assodistil and oriGIn, we have been tackling the challenges posed by an unimplementable labelling rule that threatens the viability of the private label business model, the backbone for many rural SMEs. Private label products account for approximately 20% of the European spirits market.
The rule, set to take effect in May 2026, would require producers’ names on labels, removing the mutually-agreed confidentiality that enables producers to supply independent brand owners, and, in turn, allows the brands to operate flexibly and competitively. Without action, these sensitive supply chains would collapse, and thousands of SMEs and rural jobs could be at risk, and EU competitiveness would suffer at a time when global trade is fragile.
We are very pleased that the European Parliament’s AGRI Committee has adopted a practical amendment to fix the problem. This quick technical solution safeguards SMEs, aligns GI spirits with GI wines, and removes unnecessary barriers without reopening the GI Regulation itself. It also addresses concerns from third countries, ensuring EU products remain competitive globally.
This amendment is a perfect example of cutting red tape, simplifying rules, and strengthening competitiveness, all while protecting Europe’s iconic culinary heritage. With trilogue negotiations imminent, support from national ministries will be crucial to make this solution a reality before May 2026.
