Feb. 2 Member Meeting
Feb. 2 Export Program Member Meeting Presentation Deck
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International Rep Video Messages
Questions:
Q: Does anyone know if ETS Labs or others offer or plan to add nutrition facts to the panels for wines? If we have to send samples, one stop shop would be good.
A: Laboratory testing to obtain the values stated in a nutrition facts panel on an electronic label for wine shipped to the European Union is not required. The EU allows for standard values. As for any plans ETS Labs may have, please contact them directly.
Q: So any wines arriving into the EU on or after December must meet this new EU requirement? What about wines that are being bottled now with the new label yet won’t ship until September, hitting the EU in December? Finally, can the QR code be printed on the strip label?
A: The EU is working on the final details of the regulations and we will have more clarity on implementation dates once the process is completed. Our current understanding is that bottles/containers that are labeled after December 8, 2023 must meet the new EU. Yes, the QR code can be on the strip label
Q: Could this be a standalone sticker applied to the back label?
A: Stickering is allowed
Q: Is that SO2 seal a required seal, or we are flexible to use any format? If that is the seal, can we skip other foreign language format of SO2? Thank you.
A: Allergen declaration, including the SO2 seal, is part of the draft pending regulations and we will have more clarify on implementation dates once the process is completed. Any potential allergens will also need to be prominently displayed and listed under the word “Contains”.
You can find the list of known intolerances and allergens* as well as notes on how to display them in REGULATION (EU) No 1169/2011 Article 9 1.c, the full text of which can be obtained at https://eur-lex.europa.eu.
Q: I received a Bottlebooks Newsletter regarding u-label. Will Bottlebooks provide a relevant service? What is the contact info to reach out to service provider? Can we meet U-label at ProWein or hear from them?
A: Yes, Bottlebooks offers that service, see here. They will be at ProWein and Vinexpo.
Q: Is any testing required for the nutrition information?
A: Laboratory testing to obtain the values stated in a nutrition facts panel on an electronic label for wine shipped to the European Union is not required. The EU allows for standard values. As for any plans ETS Labs may have, please contact them directly.
Q: Does the labeling only apply to retail channel sales? As an example, any insight into on-premise only brands produced for larger regional restaurant groups?
A: The new labeling requirements apply to all wines exported to the European Union.
Q: Is there clarity as to what is required and/or acceptable on these new labels in both the EU and UK markets? One back label for both markets essentially.
A: Currently the United Kingdom has not proposed e-labels for the British market. We will follow up with the British Wine and Spirit Trade Association for more information. Wines exported to Northern Ireland will need to follow EU regulations until further notice.
Q: Do adds such as yeast, nutrients, oak treatments, etc., which are added in fermentation but then do not remain in the wine, need to be listed in the ingredients on EU labels?
A: The EU is working on the final details of the regulations and we will have more clarity on this question once the process is completed.
Q: In the Sustainability part, will we be able to add some US certifications? I am thinking about Organic, that is quite different from the EU version.
A: The U.S. organic seal will be allowed on the e-label, provided the winery follow the USDA’s National Organic Program and the conditions under the US-EU Organic Arrangement.
Q: Does any of the work done on the AMFORI platform ameliorate any of these requirements?
A: AMORFI BSCI does address the social requirements for Systembolaget’s Sustainable Choice. We are seeking recognition of Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing as one of the accepted certification programs as well.
Q: Who are the 3 Nordic monopoly countries? Norway, Sweden?
A: There are in fact 5 Nordic monopolies: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Faroe Islands
Q: Is that something (California Wines Digital Marketplace) that could be used for meeting management in ProWein in the future?
A: Yes, that is the goal for every global event. This allows for our trade/media/consumers to have a California Portfolio for the wines they have tasted and a record of wineries they have met.
Q: Regarding Sustainability: I’ve chosen not to use capsules for all my wines. My experience in the US is that there is no problem. I’ve received comments and some pushback from countries in Asia about the absence of capsules. Does anyone have any comments on acceptance or not on the absence of capsules in international markets? Thanks.
A: My understanding is that Canada is the only country that requires “tamper-resistant packaging” above and beyond the cork closure. What actions have you taken to educate the Canadian federal government and provincial boards to this issue?
“Tamper-resistant packaging” is a federal requirement in Canada. Wine Institute does not foresee Canada changing its position for this proposal due to concerns over food and consumer safety.
Q: Is the 60% sustainably farmed acreage 3rd party certified?
A: Yes, 60% of our statewide acreage is certified to Certified Sustainable (CSWA’s program), Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green, and/or SIP Certified.