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Defra hopes to scrap ‘pointless red tape’ with British wine reforms

02 January 2024 By Eloise Feilden

WineGB has praised Defra for introducing British wine reforms which will scrap EU regulation on packaging and allowing domestic producers to sell piquette for the first time.

From 1 January 2024, makers of English Sparkling Wine will no longer have to use mushroom-shaped stoppers and foil covers on bottlenecks, giving producers the choice to opt for simpler packaging, thereby reducing both waste and costs.

Restrictions will also be scrapped on the making and selling of piquette, a low-alcohol wine made from the second pressings of grape pomace.

In a move welcomed by wine traders, the government will also remove the requirement for imported wines to have an importer address on the label, reducing administrative burdens for businesses.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Our departure from the EU gives us the opportunity to review and scrap outdated and burdensome rules that have been holding back our wine sector.”

Barclay said that the reforms would “help our wine producers and traders become more profitable, dynamic, and sustainable – while freeing them from pointless red tape.

“Looking ahead to 2024, I’m committed to this government continuing to support our world-class winemakers, vineyards and traders to grow and innovate.”

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, said: “We welcome the additional choice that comes from this first phase of actions from the wine reform consultation. There will be producers who are keen to take advantage of all and every option to reduce materials on bottles, so we can expect to see fewer foils on sparkling allowing you to celebrate that bit faster, and with an environmental benefit.

“We look forward to working with Government and the Defra team on future consultations, and am sure they will be as constructive as those now being implemented.”

Last week, the government announced that businesses will be able to sell prepacked still and sparkling wine in 500ml and 200ml sizes as well as a new 568ml ‘pint’ quantity.

Now boasting almost 900 vineyards, hectares under vine in the UK have more than quadrupled since 2000. Viticulture – the cultivation and harvesting of grapes – is now Britain’s fastest-growing agricultural sector, employing around 2,300 people full time with a predicted 50% growth in jobs by 2025.

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