Two Irish spirits producers to pilot new EU-wide e-labels

New digital labelling initiative launched across the EU for the wine and spirits sectors

Two Irish spirits companies, Lough Ree Distillery and Skellig Six 18 Distillery, will help pilot new e-labels being rolled out across the EU.

U-LABEL, a consumer-friendly e-label platform has been launched, through a collaboration between SpiritsEUROPE, which represents spirits companies and CEEV, the voice of the European wine sector.

The platform will enable consumers across Europe to access information via QR code technology about the spirits products they purchase.

The platform allows any spirits company, small or large, to give EU consumers relevant, standardised and detailed product information, including the list of ingredients, nutrition information, responsible drinking guidelines and information about sustainability.

With fifteen spirits and wine producing companies participating in the pilot phase, the standardised U-LABEL system will be tested, before being rolled out further. It’s anticipated that more Irish companies will adopt the system after the pilot phase.

Vincent McGovern, Head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits said:

“Irish spirits companies are committed to providing consumers transparent information about the products they consume, and the launch of this new platform allows the sector to deliver this in a consistent and effective manner across the EU. We’re proud that two Irish spirits companies are part of the pilot programme. Irish drinks companies already go above and beyond many of their EU counterparts with regards labelling information, and this new system will further deliver on that.”

The QR code will appear on Bart’s Irish Whiskey, a new product from Lough Ree Distillery. Michael Clancy, Co-Founder of Lough Ree Distillery said:

“At Lough Ree Distillery, we are very proud to be part of the e-Label platform project, enabling us to provide more consumer information on our products. As we launch a new brand, this easy-to-use platform gives us the opportunity to share information in a consistent and best practice way with our customers across the EU.”

It will also appear on Skellig Six18 Irish Gin. Patrick Sugrue, Founder & Director of Skellig Six18 Distillery said:

“Located here at the very edge of Europe by the Atlantic Coast, we at Skellig Six18 Distillery are proud to and be part of this e-label initiative – which is relevant to all spirits consumers right throughout the EU.”