de.euronews.com
European Wine Industry Adapts to Declining Alcohol Consumption
Due to decreasing alcohol consumption in Europe, the wine industry is innovating with alcohol-free options; one Belgian company increased its production of dealcoholized wine from 1.2 million liters in 2019 to 5.3 million in 2024, while the EU seeks to clarify regulations for alcohol-free wine labeling.
- What is the impact of declining alcohol consumption in Europe on the wine industry, and how are producers responding?
- European per capita alcohol consumption dropped 20 percent between 2000 and 2019, leading some winemakers to innovate with alcohol-free options. Associated Beverage Solutions in Belgium produces 5.3 million liters of dealcoholized wine annually, up from 1.2 million in 2019, using vacuum distillation to preserve flavor.
- How does the European Commission plan to regulate the labeling and definition of alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines, and why?
- Falling alcohol consumption and health concerns drive the rise of alcohol-free wine. The EU aims to clarify labeling and definitions for alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines to support market growth and address consumer demand for transparency. This is part of a broader plan to strengthen the wine sector's competitiveness.
- What are the long-term implications of the growing alcohol-free wine market for wine production methods, consumer preferences, and international trade?
- The dealcoholization process, while improving, presents challenges, particularly with red wine. The European Commission's actions suggest a future where alcohol-free wine is more standardized and integrated into the broader European wine market, potentially impacting wine production and trade.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the rise of dealcoholized wine as a positive response to industry challenges. The positive aspects of the trend are highlighted (e.g., job creation, diversification, new markets), while potential downsides are not extensively explored. The use of quotes from industry representatives reinforces this positive perspective.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. However, phrases such as "Kunden kommen auf ihre Kosten" (customers get their money's worth) could be considered slightly promotional. The description of dealcoholized wine as a solution to industry challenges might be viewed as implicitly positive.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the production and market trends of dealcoholized wine, potentially omitting other significant factors influencing the European wine industry's evolution. While mentioning health concerns and changing consumer habits, it doesn't delve into the specifics of these factors or explore alternative solutions adopted by the wine industry beyond dealcoholization. The impact of climate change on wine production, for example, is only briefly mentioned.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it implicitly suggests that dealcoholized wine is a primary solution to declining alcohol consumption and changing consumer preferences, neglecting other possibilities such as shifting marketing strategies or focusing on niche markets.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the decrease in alcohol consumption in Europe and the rise of alcohol-free wine. This directly contributes to better health outcomes by reducing alcohol-related harm.