Regulation Articles - Wine Industry Digest

Former health minister attacks food & drink industry over ‘tobacco-style’ tactics

UK The Grocer Sep 15, 2026 Regulation

A former UK health minister has accused food and drink companies of using the same delaying tactics the tobacco industry once employed to avoid regulation. James Bethell claims supermarkets and manufacturers are employing 'deny, distract, and delay' strategies that could eventually lead to sweeping marketing restrictions, much like those imposed on cigarettes. The comparison suggests tighter regulatory controls could be coming for the wider food and drink sector.

WineGB calls for targeted Budget support

UK Asiantrader Sep 12, 2026 Regulation

WineGB is calling on the UK chancellor to step up support for England and Wales' wine industry in the upcoming Autumn Budget. The trade body warns that rising costs and insufficient government backing are hampering producers' ability to invest and compete on the global stage, and they've submitted a formal Budget request outlining what targeted assistance the sector needs most.

Southern Glazer’s to Pay $12.5 Million to Resolve Bribery Investigation with the DOJ

North America VinePair Sep 11, 2026 Regulation

Southern Glazer's, one of the nation's largest alcohol distributors, has agreed to pay $12.5 million to resolve a Department of Justice investigation into improper payments and bribery. The settlement includes a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ and confirmation from the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau that it won't pursue further action. This resolution closes a longstanding federal inquiry into the distributor's conduct.

Ugandan royal succession scandal

You might also like France 24 Sep 10, 2026 Regulation

Rwanda's government has taken dramatic action in the alcoholic beverages sector, shutting down 101 factories last month after contaminated illegal alcohol supplies killed at least 50 people, prompting a public health emergency declaration. The crackdown highlights serious safety and regulatory challenges in East Africa's drinks industry. The news also covers a succession dispute affecting a Ugandan throne and Ethiopia's new year celebrations.

Read more From Digest #42

Trump bans Canadian alcohol imports as US-Canada tariff dispute escalates

North America Beverage Daily Sep 10, 2026 Regulation

The Trump administration has implemented a ban on Canadian alcohol imports as tensions escalate in the US-Canada tariff dispute. This move will significantly impact wine and spirits businesses that rely on cross-border trade, affecting everything from supply chains to pricing for both importers and consumers. Industry players should expect major shifts in sourcing strategies and inventory planning as this trade conflict unfolds.

Read more From Digest #42

‘No evidence’ low & no drinks act as a gateway to alcohol: Club Soda report

UK The Grocer Sep 10, 2026 Regulation

A new report from Club Soda has challenged government concerns that low and no-alcohol drinks encourage young people to drink alcohol, finding no evidence to support this 'gateway theory'. The UK government is currently weighing up whether to restrict sales of alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits to under-18s as part of its health strategy, but the research suggests these products aren't paving the way for underage drinking.

Read more From Digest #42

Indonesia Seizes 6,624 Bottles of Alcohol With Suspected Fake Tax Stamps

You might also like Vino Joy News Sep 10, 2026 Regulation

Indonesian police have seized over 6,600 bottles of alcohol suspected of carrying fake excise tax stamps in Bandung, marking another significant crackdown on tax evasion in the country's alcohol trade. The seizure highlights ongoing challenges with counterfeit stamps and illicit practices within Indonesia's beverage market. This is part of a growing pattern of enforcement actions aimed at protecting tax revenues and ensuring product legitimacy in the region.

Read more From Digest #42

WSTA urges alcohol tax cut ahead of Autumn Budget

UK Harpers Wine & Spirit Sep 10, 2026 Regulation

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association is calling on the UK government to reconsider a planned alcohol duty increase tied to RPI inflation, which could rise by 2.9% come February 2027. The trade body is making its case ahead of the Autumn Budget announcement, highlighting concerns about the impact on businesses and consumers. It's a push that could shape tax policy for the wine and spirits sector over the coming months.

Read more From Digest #42

All manufacturers, importers and distributors of products are affected by the new packaging rules

Europe Business Review Sep 9, 2026 Regulation

The EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, coming into force on 12 August 2026, will reshape how wine companies handle packaging at every stage. Rather than focusing mainly on recycling after products reach consumers, manufacturers, importers and distributors will now face legal requirements starting from design and manufacture through to market placement. It's a significant shift that the entire wine supply chain needs to prepare for now.

Read more From Digest #42

Special Feature: FASD Awareness Day 2026

Australia & New Zealand Movendi International Sep 9, 2026 Regulation

New evidence from New Zealand government documents is shedding light on how the alcohol industry has worked to downplay the risks of drinking during pregnancy and dismiss estimates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a condition affecting an estimated 25 million people under 40 worldwide. FASD remains the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental impairment in children, yet many countries lack proper detection and monitoring systems. As FASD Awareness Day 2026 approaches, these revelations are likely to intensify scrutiny on industry transparency and responsibility standards.

Read more From Digest #42

Hospitality industry served regulatory relief from government

Australia & New Zealand The Shout Sep 8, 2026 Regulation

New Zealand's government has completed a review of hospitality sector regulations aimed at cutting red tape and reducing costs for businesses. The review specifically flagged alcohol licensing and renewal processes as inefficient and disproportionate, with fees that don't always reflect actual regulator costs. Ministers will now decide which recommendations to implement in coming weeks, potentially streamlining how bars, restaurants and venues manage their alcohol operations and lowering compliance costs.

Read more From Digest #42

Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs Worth $27.6 Billion Take Effect

North America CNBC Sep 8, 2026 Regulation

Canada has implemented $27.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs, a significant escalation in the trade dispute with the US that'll reshape North American wine commerce. Wine imports and exports are likely to face new duties, affecting pricing and supply chains across the region. Industry professionals need to understand the tariff schedule and plan accordingly for the months ahead.

Read more From Digest #42

U.S. Confirms 15% Tariff on Italian Wine Imports

North America Vinetur Sep 4, 2026 Regulation

The US has confirmed a 15% tariff on Italian wine imports, a significant development for anyone importing or selling Italian wines into the American market. This decision will affect pricing strategies, margins and sourcing decisions across the US wine trade. Italian wine importers, distributors and retailers should be reviewing their supply chains and customer pricing now.

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Lobbying The Limits Away

North America Movendi International Sep 4, 2026 Regulation

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines have removed their longstanding numerical drinking limits (two drinks daily for men, one for women) for the first time in over 30 years. An investigation suggests the change followed sustained alcohol industry lobbying, and that a federal study on alcohol's cancer and mortality risks was shelved in the process. It's a significant policy shift with implications for how wine is marketed and regulated in America's largest market.

Read more From Digest #42

Chile Considers New Wine Category for Lower-Alcohol Bottles

South America Vinetur Sep 4, 2026 Regulation

Chile is considering creating a new official wine category for lower-alcohol bottles, a move that could have significant implications for how these wines are classified, labelled and traded internationally. This regulatory development matters for anyone importing Chilean wines or working with lower-alcohol options, as it could affect everything from how products are marketed to how they're taxed and distributed. It's part of a broader industry shift towards lighter, lower-alcohol styles.

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U.S. tariffs hammer Italian wine exports

Europe Vinetur Sep 2, 2026 Regulation

U.S. tariffs are hitting Italian wine exports hard, creating real headwinds for producers trying to reach the American market. This is a significant regulatory development with direct implications for pricing, competitiveness and business strategy across the Italian wine trade. If you're involved in U.S. imports or exports to America, this one matters.

Read more From Digest #41

Delaware Legalized Wine Shipping. Nobody Can Use It.

North America Unlimited Sep 2, 2026 Regulation

Delaware has legalised wine shipping, but there's a catch: the new law is essentially unworkable in practice, meaning producers and shippers still can't actually use it. The story highlights the ongoing complexity of direct-to-consumer wine sales across US states and the gap between legislative intent and commercial reality.

Read more From Digest #41

PPWR readiness: five questions every brand should be asking about its packaging strategy

Europe Sep 2, 2026 Regulation

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents the biggest change to European packaging law in decades, coming into force from August 2026 with increasingly strict targets through to 2040. Wine companies selling into or through Europe will need to review their entire packaging strategy, from materials and labelling to supply chain design. The article guides businesses through five key questions they should be asking now to prepare.

Read more From Digest #41

The European cheese of Discord

South America Pravda EU Aug 31, 2026 Regulation

South America's wine producers are bracing for major disruption as the long-stalled EU-Mercosur trade deal moves forward. Once borders open to European imports, South American winemakers will lose protection against cheap EU competition and won't be allowed to use European geographical names on their own bottles. Smaller producers are particularly worried about bankruptcy, whilst the rush to claim EU tariff quotas on a first-come basis is already creating friction between neighbouring countries.

Read more From Digest #41

Chile moves to create a legal category for wine starting at 8.5% alcohol

South America Vinetur Aug 31, 2026 Regulation

Chile is moving to establish a new legal wine category for lower-alcohol wines, with the threshold starting at 8.5% ABV. The proposal would create an official classification for these lighter styles, reflecting both consumer demand and the winemaking challenges posed by warmer vintages. This regulatory change could reshape how Chilean wines are labelled, marketed, and positioned in export markets.

Read more From Digest #41