How Will the New EU Wine Regulations and E-labels Affect Wineries?
Discover the impact of the latest EU wine regulations and e-labels on wineries. Stay ahead of the game by learning how these changes will affect your wine business and what you need to do to
Discover the impact of the latest EU wine regulations and e-labels on wineries. Stay ahead of the game by learning how these changes will affect your wine business and what you need to do to comply.
Keep your winery competitive and thriving in the ever-changing wine industry by being informed and prepared.
The introduction of EU Regulation 2021/2117 will lead to a historic transformation of the wine and flavored wine market in the European Union.
What does the EU wine labeling regulation mean for winemakers and wine distributors?
Starting on December 8, 2023, all wines intended for the EU market that are bottled after this date must clearly display all ingredients added during the production process on the bottles. Omission, concealment, or falsification of information will be treated as consumer fraud.
Under the new regulation, all winemakers and distributors placing wines on the EU market must indicate information about:
- Ingredients
- Allergens and intolerances
- Energy value
- Nutritional values
Instead of printing nutritional information directly on the label, wine producers and distributors will use QR codes.
The use of QR codes will allow consumers to access all relevant information through e-labels, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the product while meeting all regulatory requirements.
What needs to be included on the label to comply with EU regulations?
Certain information needs to be provided on the physical or printed label, while some information needs to be provided digitally, via e-labels that can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the physical label.
Information to be displayed on the physical label includes:
- Allergen content according to EU Regulation 1169/2011 – e.g., contains sulfites (if the level is above 10 mg/l).
- Energy value per 100 ml – e.g., E 298 kJ/72 kcal.
- For dealcoholized wines with an alcohol content less than 10%, the expiration date needs to be indicated according to EU Regulation 2021/2117.
As Craft Technology informs, certain information must be provided on the physical or printed label, while other information needs to be presented in digital form through an e-label that can be scanned using the QR code on the physical label.
Websites containing wine composition data must not contain other information, advertisements, or marketing content, nor will consumer data be collected from these sites. Distributing sales and marketing content without mandatory ingredient information or nutritional values is considered a regulation violation.
Benefits of using e-labels and QR codes
Photo: QR code example on the wine bottle
By using e-labels, accessible by reading dynamic QR codes, the following advantages are gained:
- Reduced costs on physical labels: Significant reduction in costs associated with design changes and dimensions of physical labels. QR codes occupy minimal space, preserving the design while providing consumers with the necessary information.
- Real-time updates: Information stored within QR codes can be updated in real-time. For example, if there is a change in the list of ingredients, wineries can modify the content associated with the QR code without the need for redesigning e-labels.
- Automatic translation: QR codes enable automatic translation of content on e-labels into the desired language of EU consumers, depending on the location from which the user scans the code.
- Optimized information: QR codes allow wine producers to provide comprehensive product information without overwhelming physical labels with excessive text.
- Environmental sustainability: By reducing the need for printed labels, QR codes contribute to environmental sustainability.
What wineries should consider when choosing e-label solutions?
Considering the complexity and potential pitfalls associated with independent and in-house e-label implementation, choosing the right e-label solution and platform is a decision that can impact the entire development process and compliance with new EU regulations on wine labeling, as well as potential sanctions.
Craft Technology e-label is an innovative online solution developed by the Craft Technology team of experts. It is fully tailored to the specific needs of the wine industry, ensuring the most relevant tools for compliance with new EU regulations on wine labeling. In just a few steps, using this platform, wineries and distributors can easily enter all necessary information and generate QR codes.
In summary, creating e-labels through the Craft Technology platform works as follows:
Step 1: Wineries collect and organize information and data.
Step 2: Wineries enter wine information into the software.
Step 3: The e-label website and QR code are generated.
Step 4: The QR code is downloaded and sent to the label manufacturer for the wine.
Step 5: The QR code is printed on the label.
By scanning the QR code with smartphones, consumers can easily access electronic records of nutritional values in 24 official languages within the EU, ensuring legal compliance while providing consumers with complete transparency about the product they are purchasing.
“Given our rich experience in the wine industry, marketing, digital transformation, and sales, we decided to create a solution that would allow winemakers and other stakeholders in the wine industry to align their business with EU regulations in an innovative way, with minimal costs,” says Dario Drmač, CEO and co-founder of the Craft Technology platform.
“The key to our solution is adding value to every winemaker. Our mission goes far beyond this product. Through the Craft Technology brand, our goal is to offer a comprehensive solution in the near future that will truly transform the business of winemakers, craft brewers, and olive growers by allowing them to use our know-how and software solution to build long-term relationships with their customers and increase sales across all channels. Craft Technology e-label is just the first step in that direction,” said Ivan Kovačević, co-founder and COO of Craft Technology.
With Craft Technology, you can be assured that all key data will be correctly filled in, thanks to detailed instructions and checks and customer service that monitors and promptly responds to possible errors.
Why choose the Craft Technology e-label?
Photo credit: QR code, Pixabay
Advantages of choosing Craft Technology e-label:
| FEATURES | DETAILED DESCRIPTION |
| Developed by experts | The solution created by industry experts ensures quality and reliability guaranteed by their names. |
| User-friendly interface | Enables quick and efficient data entry and QR code generation. It’s made to be clear and easy to use, so even if you’re not a tech expert, you can create and change your electronic wine labels quickly. |
| Quick QR code generation | Efficient and fast QR code generation in seconds |
| Data security | Craft Technology’s solution undergoes regular security checks, utilizing advanced encryption techniques and strict access controls to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. |
| Dynamic QR codes | QR codes on the labels can be changed anytime without having to print new ones. This feature enhances flexibility and allows real-time information updates even after the QR code is printed without causing extra costs or waste. |
| Scalability | If client requirements increase, Craft Technology offers solutions for all needs, including enterprise solutions. This way, the platform meets market demands without compromising quality, regulatory compliance, or delivery deadlines. |
| Regulatory compliance | Our team constantly monitors for changes in EU and global regulation, ensuring you’re always 100% compliant with current laws. |
| Reliability and 24/7/365 availability | The solution utilizes top-notch servers and security protocols, guaranteeing constant content availability. |
| Automatic language translation | If you need your label in a different language, our system can translate it into 24 official EU languages automatically. Customers get the info in their own language, which can help you reach more people. |
| Scan analytics dashboard | There’s a feature that lets you see how people are interacting with your labels through QR code scans. |
| E-labels are available in various formats | After crafting your e-label, download QR codes in multiple formats such as jpg, png, tiff, SVG, eps, and pdf. These options cater to diverse needs, ensuring your message is delivered effectively. |
| Bulk upload | If you have a lot of label info to upload, you can do it all at once with ease. Our system lets you upload large amounts of data smoothly, saving you time and effort. |
| Data export | If you decide to move to a different service, you can take your data with you, no questions asked. Our platform is flexible, letting you move your information freely to support your business’s growth. |
| No risk | Trying it out is risk-free. If you don’t like the service within 30 days, you can get your money back. |
Visit the website www.craft-technology.com/elabel to learn more about compliance with EU regulations for wine labeling and how to use the Craft Technology solution for creating e-labels and QR codes.
Not ready to enter data or deal with compliance and lab analysis? Craft Technology has got you covered
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of data entry, compliance intricacies, and lab analyses? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. With a full suite of services, Craft Technology lifts the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on crafting exceptional wines.
If you’re too busy and don’t want to bother with calories, sugars, nutrition information, etc, they can help you put in all the info and set up a cool QR code with “We do it for you data input and QR code quickstart service.” With their “Peace of Mind Data Compliance Check”, the expert team double-checks everything to make sure it’s perfect, keeping you penalty-free and chill.
Did you know?
The law requires nutritional and energy information based on a 100ml serving. How do you calculate energy?
According to the regulation, there are two acceptable methods of calculating energy:
Method 1: Formula calculator with conversion factors based on sugar, alcohol, and a few other parameters.
Method 2: Using a general average value per wine type, such as red-dry, sparkling-brute, etc. The table is provided in this self-regulatory document.
Don’t fancy doing it yourself? Opt for Craft Technology “We do it for your data input and QR code quickstart service,” and they’ll handle everything for you!
About Craft Technology
Craft Technology is a software platform that provides innovative solutions, digital transformation, and business optimization for wineries, breweries, and olive oil producers.
Craft Technology e-label is a new product designed for creating e-labels and managing content. The software sets new standards in the wine industry, allowing winemakers and wine distributors to quickly and efficiently comply with legal regulations by applying customized software solutions.
Check out www.craft-technology.com/elabel for more information about EU wine labeling laws.
