Beers should be labelling ingredients and calories in EU by 2022

Belgium - The Brewers of Europe, a trade body, wants ingredients and energy values to appear on the labels of all beer bottles and cans in the EU by 2022. The association will sign a “memorandum of understanding” (MoU) with the European Commission in September to formalise the brewers’ commitment.

The MoU, supported by brewers, is open to companies and associations from all alcoholic beverage sectors, The Brewers of Europe said. On 28 May it reported that already 85 percent of beers sold in Europe carry an ingredients list, whilst  60 percent label calories, far ahead of schedule for its voluntary scheme.

Over the last four years, brewers have been voluntarily rolling out ingredients and energy labelling in full accordance with an EU regulation.

The ultimate objective is that consumers receive understandable, recognisable, comparable and accurate information for all alcoholic beverages.