BBPA offers advice and guidance on all aspects of voluntary and statutory food labelling of pre-packaged beer. Voluntary information includes that used as part of responsibility messaging and alcohol information to consumers. The BBPA also operates a Primary Authority co-ordinated partnership for product labelling of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers.
03 January 2018
03 January 2018
03 January 2018
13 November 2018
Commenting on the announcement from the Department of Health that there will be no changes to the descriptors for low and no alcohol products, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “It is bitterly disappointing that the Department of Health has missed this opportunity to give consumers greater clarity when it comes to the labelling of low alcohol beers. “Changing the current definition of ‘alcohol free’ beer from 0.05% ABV to 0.5% ABV – as we suggested during the consultation process – would have brought the UK in line with the rest of Europe and other global markets. This creates the perverse situation whereby beers at 0.5% ABV produced in Europe can be sold in the UK as “alcohol free”, but British brewers brewing at the same strength must label their beer differently. This is discrimination and will create confusion for consumers. “Whilst we have already seen significant growth in the low alcohol beer sector, the Government has failed to implement changes that would enable Britain’s brewers to further innovate and promote lower strength drinks to stimulate this growth further. “A decision by the Australian Government to introduce tax reductions for ‘lighter’ beer has already led to growth of such beers to occupy 25% of the market there. Sadly then, this decision by the UK Government represents a missed opportunity to provide a similar incentive here and gives no encouragement to those seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption. “There is plenty of evidence to show that moderate drinking brings health benefits, and beer, which is typically a low strength form of alcohol, is a great way to enjoy a well-earned drink whilst supporting your local pub.”
30 May 2018
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed the proposal by the European Commission to extend the threshold for low alcohol beers that can benefit from reduced duty rates from 2.8% ABV to 3.5% ABV. The proposal comes after detailed work from the BBPAand support from the British Government. With evidence from Drinkaware suggesting that a significant proportion of consumers seek out lower strength options as a way of moderating their alcohol consumption, the extension of the threshold would help grow the lower strength market, creating an incentive for significant investment and innovation in the category. The European Commission currently defines low strength beer for tax purposes as below 2.8% ABV. As a result, the Government introduced a lower tax on 2.8% ABV or less beers in 2011. The BBPA has long supported the extension of the low alcohol threshold and will push the European Parliament to adopt these latest proposals from the European Commission. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “Whilst it is possible to produce some great beers at 2.8% ABV, there is much more potential to grow the market for lower strength beers if the threshold is increased to 3.5% ABV. Under the complications of the European Structures Directive, the UK system of taxing beer by ABV is a real disadvantage for producers and reduces consumer choice. “I very much welcome the proposed extension of the low alcohol threshold by the European Commission and will push for parliament to adopt it, which should boost investment and innovation in the industry for low and no alcohol beers that are a great way to enjoy sensible drinking whilst supporting your local pub.”