Current Developments in European Alcohol Policy: An Analysis of Possible Impacts on the German Wine Industry

Abstract

In February 2022, the European Parliament agreed on a far-reaching package of measures to regulate alcohol consumption in its vote on “Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer”. This article therefore elaborates on the most important positions and directions of current European alcohol policy and discusses possible effects on the German wine industry based on existing literature. It can be shown that the attitudes towards alcohol consumption sometimes differ considerably within the European Union, but that there is increasing harmonization of consumption-regulating measures in the course of European integration. However, alcohol policies in the EU are limited by an unclear scientific assessment of “moderate” consumption. This is supplemented by moderate social awareness and the scientific discourse on the effectiveness of alcohol policy measures, as well as a lack of government initiative and legal barriers. Ultimately, the German wine industry finds itself confronted with new scientific findings, associated political demands and creeping changes in social attitudes towards alcoholic beverages.

Developing a Sustainability Vision for the Global Wine Industry

“…In addition to the consequences of general nutrition (such as obesity), the proposed interventions include the effects of various types of radiation (e.g., UV radiation) and environmental pollution, as well as the consumption of tobacco and alcoholic beverages as important risk factors for cancer. The following recommendations for action were introduced for the alcohol sector: (a) provide improved information to consumers, (b) restrict alcohol advertising and sponsorship activities and (c) revise pricing, including consideration of increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages [200]. In the context of this development there is a strong increase in the interest in no-and low-alcohol wines.…”

The Lower the Better? Discussion on Non-Alcoholic Wine and Its Marketing

“…While abusive alcohol intake has clear and evidence-based health consequences, there remains a gray area in the debate when it comes to defining moderate and harmful consumption. So far, there is no clear opinion on this issue on the part of science or politics [5].…”

“…With regard to sugar, this specifically concerns the connection between sugar consumption and obesity. For ethanol, recent publications cited by the World Health Organization suggest that even small amounts are associated with cancer-promoting effects [3], even though no clear conclusion can be drawn so far regarding the classification of moderate and harmful consumption [4,5]. In this context, the WHO is calling for far-reaching measures to reduce sugar and alcohol consumption, similar to those in the area of tobacco [6].…”

Low-Alcohol and Nonalcoholic Wines: From Production to Cardiovascular Health, along with Their Economic Effects

“…The European alcohol policy landscape is undergoing significant changes with implications for the wine industry, including nonalcoholic wine production. The European Parliament's package of measures to regulate alcohol consumption highlights a trend toward harmonization of consumption-regulating measures within the EU despite variations in attitudes toward alcohol consumption [190]. The mandatory labeling of ingredients and nutritional information for alcoholic beverages, as mandated by the European Commission, responds to consumer demand and could affect the quality perception and development of wine regions [191].…”