EU Court of Justice Rules Non-Alcoholic Drinks Cannot Be Called Gin
The EU Court of Justice has ruled that non-alcoholic drinks cannot be labelled as gin. According to the court, only gin made from ethyl alcohol flavoured with juniper and containing at least 37.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) can legally use the name "gin." The case arose from a dispute brought by the German association Verband Sozialer Wettbewerb against PB Vi Goods, which marketed a product called Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei.
The court stated that EU law prohibits the use of the term "non-alcoholic gin," and adding the term "non-alcoholic" to gin is irrelevant when it comes to naming conventions. This ruling is based on a 2019 EU regulation aimed at protecting consumers, preventing deceptive marketing practices, ensuring fair competition, and safeguarding the reputation of the EU's spirit drinks.
The decision may present a setback for the rapidly expanding market of alcohol-free drinks within the EU. PB Vi Goods did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ruling.
