Design Your Printed Wine Labels for EU Compliance

Design Your Printed Wine Labels for EU Compliance

Selecting the perfect wine bottle poses a challenge, especially given that label design influences over 70% of wine purchases, as revealed by a Wine News and Vinitaly survey in 2015. Recognizing this, it becomes evident that the new labeling regulations should not significantly alter the visual aesthetics of your bottles. In this article, we aim to explore the art of crafting an appealing wine label while considering the implications of the latest requirements for wine labeling.

Important Update: EU Regulation (EU) 2021/2117

As of December 8th, 2023, the European Union has implemented changes to its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), impacting wine labeling requirements for products sold and consumed within the EU. All wine bottles labeled from this deadline onward, regardless of origin, must adhere to the specifications outlined in Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 by the European Parliament and the Council which includes nutritional informations and list of ingredients. These regulations aim to enhance consumer awareness by providing more comprehensive information about the wines they purchase and consume.

Environmental Labeling (from January 1, 2023 for Italy)

Starting from January 1, 2023, new environmental labeling requirements come into effect for the Italian market. It's crucial to note that these requirements are subject to change, and staying informed is key.

The E-label for compliance

Once you have these elements in mind, the next question is how to incorporate all this information into your label without overwhelming its design. The good news is that the commission has allowed wineries to include most of this information through an e-label accessible via a QR code

In our e-label, it is possible to include all the required information, eliminating the need for multiple QR codes or compromising label space. With our assistance, you can confidently focus on the production of exceptional wines, knowing that we proactively monitor and implement any necessary adjustments related to environmental labeling and future EU regulations.

The QRFox.eu guideline

The European Commission released guidelines in the Official Journal of the EU (C series of 24/11/2023) concerning the implementation of the wine labeling provisions outlined in the 2017 Regulation (Communication No. C/2023/1190). Notably, Point No. 38 of these guidelines emphasizes that "mandatory food information" must be visibly affixed in a prominent location, ensuring it is easily visible, clearly legible, and, if applicable, indelible.

The guidelines further state that if there is no explicit reference to the electronically provided information on the label, it might be deemed as concealed mandatory information, emphasizing that the QR code must be identified on the label with the term "ingredients" and that generic terms or symbols, such as the information "i", are insufficient to fulfill these obligations. Introducing also uncertainty regarding the linguistic regime to be applied. Even though it seems that this word can be written in any EU language but must be in accordance with the main language chosen for the back label. Finnish authorities have confirmed that the allergen and energy content wording has to be in both Finnish and Swedish.

1. When the nutritional values are made available via an electronic label, the physical label must include a statement of energy values. This energy value can be expressed in a statement of the letter “E” followed by the value.
   Example: E: 195Kj/47kcal per 100ml
2. The nutrition label and ingredient list does not exempt the packer from reporting the presence of allergens in the usual manner already in place.
3. Most of the compulsory information must be made available on the physical label in “the same field of view”. This includes:

• Ingredient list & Nutritional declaration
• Can be provided via a QR code
• Category of wine
• Alcohol percentage
• Indication of provenance/origin
• The name of the bottler
• For sparkling wines: name of producer/vendor
• Energy value
• Allergens and intolerances (clearly distinguishable)

Mandatory information that can be made available outside the same field of view is:

• Importers
• Lot numbers
• Minimum date of durability (best before date)

QR code printing

QR codes for labeling should be printed in a size that makes it possible to scan them. A minimum of 1cm by 1cm is likely to be required. It is often incorporated into the back label design along with other required product information. Every QR code must have a surrounding "quiet" zone, typically four times the size of a single cell within the code (e.g., 1.5 mm for a 10 mm QR code). This clear space enhances scanning accuracy.

‍Color and Contrast: For best results, use a black QR code on a white background. While dark colors on light backgrounds or the other way round, may work. It's advisable to test them with standard QR code reader apps.

‍Shape: QR codes are inherently square-shaped. However, creative embedding of square QR codes within non-square shapes, like rotated squares or parallelograms, can be explored. Always maintain the necessary quiet zone in such cases.

‍Resolution: To ensure successful scans by consumers, your QR code image should be printable at 300 dpi or higher. High resolution prevents scanning issues and maintains code integrity.