The recent EU regulations, which call for the clear depiction of ingredients & nutrition declaration in wine, are planned to come into effect, for products produced and labeled on or after the 8th of December 2023.
So what are QR Codes?
The abbreviation for ‘Quick Response‘ Code, the QR Code has been around since it was founded in 1994 (by the Japanese automotive company Denso Wave).
A “typical” QR Code – scan it with your mobile phone
The advent of modern mobile phones & their ability to easily scan QR codes (recent iOS & Android versions have enabled that feature directly in the default camera application – eliminating the need for special apps to be downloaded) has seen a resurgence in the interest for this technology.
QRs have rapidly found their place at the center of Fintech and modern payment systems, digital Advertising campaigns, product information etc.
QR codes in Wine
Up until now the wine industry – at large – has not been following the labeling guidelines, found in other food products (clear designation of ingredients, nutrition declaration etc).
Following intense discussions (focusing on the impact the added information would have on the limited “real estate” of wine labels) over the last decade – EU has now mandated the clear depiction of ingredients & nutrition declaration in wine, with a current deadline of enforcement, for products produced and labeled on or after the 8th of December 2023. The EU has provided wine producers with two alternatives with regards to the method of providing that information to consumers, namely:
- By printing that information in the wine label
- OR alternatively by providing an electronic means of accessing that information – effectively through the use of a QR code in the wine label – which in turn produces a digital label once scanned by a consumer
Needless to say that the vast majority of wine producers will opt for aforementioned digital wine label, as the means for complying with the latest EU regulation.
Discussions for a similar regulatory environment, are already underway in the USA.
QR Codes – beyond compliance
Embedding QR codes in wine labels is simply one of the ways you can incorporate the technology in your day to day activities.
We have prepared a quick guide, outlining 6 examples, on how wineries can leverage QR codes to create engaging interactive experiences for their customers & gather incredibly useful data in the process. Click on the button below to download it.
