The introduction of new alcohol labelling standards in Australia and New Zealand is gaining momentum, as Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) makes progress on proposals aimed at increasing consumers’ ability to understand the energy contribution that alcohol makes to their diet.
The two proposals – P1059 and P1049 – will see the introduction of mandatory standardised on-label energy information for alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks containing more than 0.5% ABV, as well as stricter controls over brands’ ability to label alcoholic drinks as “low-carb” or “sugar-free”.
The move comes following research by FSANZ that found consumers are generally unaware that alcohol – rather than sugar – is the main source of energy in wine, beer, and spirits. The regulator asserts that a compulsory approach to providing energy content information on alcoholic beverages would ensure greater consistency and enable consumers to make informed choices.
FSANZ’s proposals mark the latest regulatory move towards greater transparency in alcoholic beverage labelling. In the European Union, new laws came into force in December 2023 requiring energy, nutrition and ingredient labelling on wine sold across the bloc from the 2024 vintage and beyond.
Kakarlapudi Karthik Varma, consumer analyst at GlobalData, says FSANZ’s proposals reflect a “growing trend towards health-conscious consumerism”, with the planned changes likely to “strengthen the relationship between manufacturers and their customers through improved transparency and trust.” In a recent survey, the research firm found 71% of consumers in Australia believe nutritional aspects such as low calorie/low cholesterol are either essential or nice to have when deciding which food and drink products to purchase.
“For consumers, this change signifies a critical step forward in terms of health awareness. Alcoholic beverages contribute significantly to the daily energy intake of many individuals, and clearer labelling is expected to provide a better understanding of how alcohol fits into their overall diet,” adds Varma. “These labels would allow consumers to compare the energy content of different products and make choices that align with their health goals, whether related to weight management or overall wellbeing.”
Public consultation on both proposals has already been completed, and the FSANZ board is expected to consider them in late 2024. If approved, the new rules will likely take effect by February 2025.