Answer to written question on Regulation on cider

Date published: July 12 2010

Question for written answer by Nessa Childers (S&D) E-4051/2010 to the Commission Rule 117

On 16 March 2010, the ENVI Committee voted on amendments to the Provision of Information to Consumers Regulation. On that day, the amendment which would have treated cider and aromatised wine in the same way as beer, wine and spirits was rejected (Article 20), despite Recital 28 stating "in order to ensure a consistent approach and coherence with the conditions established for wine, the same kind of exemptions shall apply".

As a result, cider, which is an important industry in Ireland, is now at a commercial disadvantage to these products.

Alcohol should be labelled with nutrient content and ingredients to correctly inform the consumer, but it is unfair to discriminate between alcohol products.

Will the Commission commit to making sure cider is not discriminated against in the final negotiations on this regulation?

E-4051/10EN

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to similar written question P-2266/2010 by Mr Watson[1].