FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
Australia – European Union: Free trade agreement talks stalled – “Hopeful that one day we’ll be able to sign a deal that benefits both Australia and our European friends,” Australia’s Trade Minister did not meet in Osaka as planned with EU negotiators to finalise a free trade agreement. The EU Ambassador to Australia reportedly said, “there was optimism that a deal was within reach.” Unresolved issues reportedly include the EU’s position regarding protection of geographical indications for products including prosecco, parmesan, and feta.
India: Alcohol beverage market estimated to reach $64 billion in 5 years – According to a study by the International Spirits and Wine Association of India, the size of Indian’s alcohol beverage market may expand from $52.4 billion in 2021 to $64 billion within five years.
Sweden: Systembolaget’s sales volume & profits fall in Q3 2023 – Although the Swedish government-owned retailer Systembolaget’s net sales rose by 1.7 percent during the third quarter of 2023, the volume of its sales fell by 3 percent. E-commerce sales grew by 2.5 percent, reportedly due to price increases. The company’s profits fell by about 21 percent during the third quarter.
Australia: Medical groups support expanded health warnings/wine sector expresses concern – As Australia’s Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care seeks input on raising “consumer awareness of the harms associated with alcohol,” the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have reportedly asked for expanded health warnings on alcohol beverage labels. Wine producers have reportedly responded with concern – noting that health labels on alcohol should be “well planned before implementation” and should be “treated in the broader context of the alcohol conversation,” perhaps including “a base price on alcohol because that is where . . . the health implications are.” A pregnancy health warning including a silhouette of a pregnant woman and a red prohibition sign on alcohol bottles became mandatory on 01 August 2023.
Poland: Actors & influencers face charges for advertising wine/spirits online – The Warsaw-Śródmieście District Prosecutor’s Office has filed four lawsuits, seeking the invalidation of influencer agreements and the forfeiture of approximately PLN 800,000 (about US$193,000) in earnings related to the national alcohol law which bans advertising alcohol beverages, other than beer, online. Defendants include 15 individuals – those celebrities who advertised alcohol, as well as those individuals who commissioned the advertising of wine and distilled spirits.
United States: Development of breathalyser technology to detect drink driving proving difficult – This article reports that “the automotive industry is scrambling” to develop breathalyser technology required by the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law in November 2021, for new cars produced beginning in 2026. A Japanese company reportedly is developing a device that would determine the alcohol content of driver’s breath by requiring drivers to exhale before turning on their cars, using a sensor on the side door trim or steering column. A Swedish company is reportedly developing new technology as well. Although this article suggests that the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates that all new cars must have breathalysers by 2026, the legislation established a rule requiring new cars to be ““equipped with advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology” without specifying what new technology will be required.
- United States: First MADD campaign (ToGetThere) launched in 30+ years – The nonprofit Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched its first campaign – ToGetThere – in over 30 years, timed to coincide with the approach of the holiday season. Instances of drink driving in the United States are reportedly expected to increase by 40% from 01 November 2023 – 01 January 2024. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an individual is killed or injured due to drink driving every 79 seconds.
United States: Use of GM yeast debated by U.S. beer sector – This article discusses the use of genetically modified yeast to brew beer, which is an issue “hotly debated within the global beer sector.”
- United States: Study demonstrates need to prioritise food safety plans for no alcohol beer – Results of a study conducted at Cornell University, “Survival of Foodborne Pathogens in Low and Nonalcoholic Craft Beer,” published in Journal of Food Protection, showed that nonalcoholic beers allowed for pathogen growth and survival, as opposed to the low-alcoholic ones. E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica grew approximately 2.00 log at 14°C, but no growth was observed at 4°C. L., showing that storage temperature is critical in preventing the growth of pathogens and demonstrating the need for beverage manufacturers to prioritise and maintain food safety plans along with practices specific to low- and nonalcoholic beer manufacturers.
Spain: Study suggests climate change will threaten production of Sherry – A study, “Impact of climate change on sustainable production of Sherry wine in nearly-zero energy buildings,” conducted at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and published in Journal of Cleaner Production, suggests that temperature increases predicted for the middle of the century may endanger the economic sustainability of regions dedicated to producing Sherry.
NOTE: We make no warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information in these FIVS Alerts; nor do we necessarily support or agree with views expressed or contained therein.