EU Court of Justice Rules Non-Alcoholic Drinks Cannot Be Labeled as Gin
The EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg has ruled that non-alcoholic drinks cannot be called gin. According to the judgment, only spirits based on ethyl alcohol with juniper flavor and containing at least 37.5% ABV can be labeled as gin.
This decision stems from a case brought by the German association Verband Sozialer Wettbewerb against PB Vi Goods over a drink marketed as Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei. The court stated that the term 'non-alcoholic' used alongside 'gin' is irrelevant under EU law, and the prohibition on labeling such products as gin applies regardless of any qualifying terms.
The ruling is based on a 2019 EU regulation aimed at protecting consumers, preventing deceptive practices, ensuring fair competition, and safeguarding the EU’s spirit-drink reputation.
Experts suggest that this decision could pose a setback to the EU’s growing alcohol-free drinks market. PB Vi Goods did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the ruling.
