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.
European Union: OIV/ AIDV webinar on 17 November on new EU labeling regulations – Ignacio Sánchez Recarte and Rein-Jan Prins, joined by Theodore Georgopoulos as moderator, will speak during a webinar hosted by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the International Society for Vine & Wine Law on new labeling regulations on wines marketed in the European Union, which will take effect on 08 December 2023. The webinar will address such questions as: which information should be printed; what can be displayed on-line and how; are all wines concerned; who is responsible in case of failure of connecting to the Internet; from what year should these regulations be applied; and what happens to wine produced prior to the date of entry into force of the regulations? Registration and other information regarding the 17 November 2023 webinar can be found HERE.
Australia – China: Reconciliation is “advancing, but with limits” – While Australia’s prime minister traveled to China for a three-day visit with China’s President Xi, this article suggests that reconciliation between the two countries is “advancing – but with limits.” Australian exports of barley, coal, and timber are resuming, and exports of Australian wine and lobster may follow within months. But this article reports that 75% of Australians express concern that China may threaten Australia militarily within the next 20 years.
Czech Republic: Alcohol consumption tax to increase 10% in year 1 & 5% in year 2 – The Czech Republic’s Senate has reportedly approved a set of tax changes to increase government revenue by approximately 150 billion koruna (US$6.5 billion). The tax package will reportedly increase the Czech Republic’s alcohol consumption tax by 10% during the first year and an additional 5% during the following year. The legislation reportedly will also move draft beer to a higher value added tax rate category of 21%, but the package reportedly does not include still wine.
Global: OIV reports wine production fell in 2023; France now largest producer – The International Organization of Vine and Wine’s publication, World Wide Wine Production, reports that wine production fell by 7% during 2023 due to extreme weather conditions, including early frosts, heavy rainfall, and drought. France reportedly became the largest producer in 2023, replacing Italy whose production fell by 12%. Production levels also fell in Uruguay by 34%, Brazil by 30%, Australia by 24%, Argentina by 23%, Chile by 20%, and South Africa by 10%. The OIV also reported that production has risen in New Zealand and the United States, but noted that China’s production figures had not been available and could increase total production numbers for 2023.
Global: Shares in Spirits Companies Drop – At the end of last week, the share prices of several significant drinks companies dropped in conjunction with news that Diageo’s operating profits will slow because of a sales slump in Latin America and the Caribbean. This news was accompanied with reported fears of a global deceleration in growth, as well as consumers trading down to less expensive brands, attributed to more difficult trading conditions since the summer.
Singapore: Singapore recognizes geographical indication of Prosecco – Singapore has reportedly recognised Prosecco as the geographical indication of Italy.
United States: Beer sector opposing “rum cover-over” tax benefit – This article discusses tax disputes “heating up” between the beer and distilled spirits industries, including current efforts of the beer sector which is reportedly lobbying the U.S. Congress not to include renewal of the “rum cover-over” tax benefit for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in Congress’s year-end tax package.
European Union: MEPs approve report advocating stronger measures to lower NCD risks – Members of the European Parliament adopted a report prepared by its Subcommittee on Public Health – reportedly with 63 members supporting the report, two opposed, and five abstaining – proposing stronger measures to lower the risk of non-communicable diseases, including harmful consumption of alcohol beverages. The report is expected to be adopted in plenary in December 2023.
Global: OECD says even low alcohol consumption increases risk of heart diseases, certain cancers – The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s publication, Health at a Glance 2023, provides a comprehensive set of indicators on population health and health system performance across OECD members and key emerging economies. Their latest publication says that “[a]lcohol use is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly among those of working age” and that high levels of consumption is “a major risk factor for heart diseases and strokes, liver cirrhosis and certain cancers, but even low and moderate alcohol consumption increases the long-term risk of these diseases.”
Vietnam: National Assembly committee rejects BAC proposal – The National Defense and Security Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly reportedly rejected a proposal to introduce “an absolute ban on alcohol levels” for drivers, as “not really compatible with culture, customs, and practices.”
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.