Growing number of Irish spirits producers commit to providing energy information on labels

Ireland continues to go above and beyond many EU counterparts in this area

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A growing number of Irish spirits producers have committed to roll out energy information on labels and ingredient and other detailed information online, according to SpiritsEurope’s second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) delivery report released this week.

In 2019, Drinks Ireland signed a Europe-wide voluntary MoU, organised by SpiritsEurope, to provide consumers with clear information regarding the energy content of their products on labels, as well as ingredient listing and nutrient information online.

The MoU committed to around one in two producers providing energy information on label across Europe by the end of 2021, which was achieved, and aims for 66% by the end of this year.

A number of small and larger companies across the country, which are members of Drinks Ireland, have changed their labels to provide this additional consumer information, as Ireland continues to go above and beyond many of our EU counterparts.

Five SME distilleries and brand owners in Ireland have also newly signed up to the voluntary MoU, ensuring the further roll-out of energy labels in Ireland. These are Walsh Whiskey, Lough Ree Distillery, Skellig Six18 Distillery, Sliabh Liag Distillery and the Connacht Distillery.

The MoU is recognised by the European Commission and its signing in 2019 was personally witnessed by then EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis.

“Irish spirits producers are leading the way in the EU in providing consumers with energy information and nutritional information both on labels and online, so it’s positive to see further progress being made,” said Vincent McGovern, director of Drinks Ireland|Spirits.

“This EU-wide voluntary initiative enables producers to deliver information to consumers in a consistent manner across markets in all languages,” McGovern added. “The Irish spirits industry is fully committed to providing clear and easily accessible on label and online information, equipping consumers with the facts when making a purchasing decision.”

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