Europe’s Brewers Continue to Lead by Example on Food Information to Consumers
The Brewers of Europe is stepping up its voluntary commitment on consumer information, recommending to all breweries to list ingredients and calories on the labels of pre-pack containers. Brewers have since 2015 been voluntarily rolling out ingredients listing and calorie information in full accordance with EU law, on-label and online.
“We are taking our commitment even further. I am proud to announce that The Brewers of Europe is bolstering its commitment with a recommendation to all breweries to list ingredients and calories on the labels of pre-pack containers,” says Pierre-Olivier Bergeron, Secretary General of The Brewers of Europe.
The decision to voluntarily provide this information is just one of the +100 responsibility commitments made by Europe’s brewers under the Beer Pledge. This pledge is the industry’s 6-year strong commitment to support EU Member States in reducing alcohol related harm.
Pierre-Olivier Bergeron adds: “We are on track in fulfilling our landmark voluntary commitment. We now estimate that by end 2018, no less than 3 out of 4 beers in the EU will label their ingredients and 1 out of 2 beers will label calorie information, per 100 ml, the legal reference volume for all drinks, alcoholic or not.”
The Brewers of Europe commitment is about meeting consumers’ expectations. Monique Goyens, Director General of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), says: “It is crucial that nutritional information and ingredients listings are provided for the consumer on the label of alcoholic products and in conformance with the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (1169/2011).”
The Brewers of Europe believes that, by fulfilling its consumer information commitment, Europe’s brewing sector is providing the right template and meeting consumers’ expectations.
