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How to prepare for the new wine labeling rules?
Published on January 11, 2024
The wine sector is undergoing a major transformation since new regulations on the labeling of wines and wine-based beverages came into force on December 8, 2023. These significant changes have crucial implications for producers, brands, wine merchants and distributors. In this context, Ghislain Esquerre, CEO of Equadis, was a guest on the TV news program 90min Business on BFM Business, France’s leading business news channel.
Interviewed by Stephane Pedrazzi, and alongside Daniel Jean-Marc and Pierre Kupferman, he was able to share his expertise as he discussed the impact of these regulations on the wine industry. This captivating conversation enlightened viewers on the crucial stakes of these new labeling rules for the sector, as well as the consequences to be anticipated on the consumer side. But what do these regulations stipulate, and what are the concrete impacts for the various players in the industry?
Reminder: What are the new wine labeling regulations of december 8, 2023?
December 8, 2023 marked a turning point in the international wine industry with the implementation of new European wine labeling regulations. Indeed, labels for wines bottled after 12/08/2023 will now have to include information on allergens, energy, ingredients and nutrition both on their labels and online. One of the main aims of these regulations is to offer consumers greater transparency. But they also bring with them new challenges for industry players.
“We find that every year, there is an increase of 15% in additional data around the product; to keep up with regulations but also consumer demands.” -Ghislain Esquerre, CEO of Equadis
Challenges for winemakers, brands and vineyards
Winegrowers and producers are facing major challenges that are completely changing the way they market their products. Firstly, the need to compile and display all mandatory product information requires a rapid transition to digitalization. At the same time, compliance with regulatory standards is becoming crucial to access the European market. Finally, meeting consumers’ growing demands for transparency is becoming an imperative if we are to continue to satisfy increasingly demanding customers.
Challenges for wine merchants and distributors
Wine merchants and distributors also face complex challenges. They must now manage a greater volume of data for both physical and online distribution. They need to acquire assortments that not only meet their own requirements, but also comply with current regulations, while meeting their customers’ expectations for transparency. Because meeting consumers’ growing need for transparency remains a common challenge for all industry players. Retailers need to offer their customers a complete, successful and therefore more informed shopping experience.
“Today, 6 out of 10 consumers have omnichannel experiences. That means they get information from websites, go into stores… to get information.” – Ghislain Esquerre, CEO of Equadis
A clear opportunity for structural growth in the wine sector
These rules represent a shared effort across Europe to modernize and standardize consumer product labeling practices and guarantee clear, accurate information for wine enthusiasts. It is essential to highlight that these new regulations should not be perceived as a constraint, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen consumer trust by responding to their growing need for transparency.
Why choosing a PIM is essential for selling wine?
As the European wine sector familiarizes with the new wine labeling regulations, it is essential for industry actors to anticipate these changes and implement robust solutions. The use of dedicated tools is becoming essential to ensure product compliance while optimizing the operational efficiency of teams, as these new rules require meticulous management of product information.
Equadis PIM is THE solution for simplifying your data management and distributing it across all your channels and your organization, simply and securely.
Wine producers, Equadis PIM allows you to :
- Collect and centralize all your product, visual, pricing and logistics data
- Enrich, manage and personalize your data and operations
- Distribute 100% verified quality data worldwide
Wine distributors, Equadis PIM helps you to :
- Onboard your manufacturers and suppliers to obtain verified, quality product data
- Efficiently collect and centralize your entire product assortment
- Easily distribute product information throughout your organization
The Equadis added value? A Customer Success Manager dedicated to your account, at your side to guide you through this transition.
Would you like to find out more? Contact our teams today!
Watch the replay of the broadcast (in french)
The full broadcast, entitled “‘Wine: as of tomorrow, new labeling rules will impact the industry”, is available on the BFM Business website. You can listen to Equadis’ contribution from 17:40 onwards, or watch it below (in french):
