Italian Government Officially Approves Non-Alcoholic Wine
Signs Decree After Long Upholding Tradition
EU Standards Adopted, Non-Alcoholic Wine Taxation Enacted
Local Wine Industry: "This Will Lead to Long-Term Change"
Italy, which has long valued its tradition as the birthplace of wine, has ultimately embraced changing consumer trends by officially approving the production of non-alcoholic wine. On December 31, Yonhap News, citing the German public news agency DPA, reported that the Italian government had signed a decree establishing a tax system for non-alcoholic wine produced domestically. The new legislation includes specific regulations regarding excise tax standards for non- and low-alcohol wines, as well as requirements for licensing, distribution, storage, and transportation.
Italy, which has valued its tradition as a pioneer in wine, has finally accepted the changing consumer trends and officially approved the production of non-alcoholic wine. Photo by Getty Images
The European Union has already legally recognized alcohol-removed wine as "wine" since 2021. However, Italy had been reluctant to approve the production of non-alcoholic wine, out of concern that its traditional wine culture could be undermined. For Italy, wine is not just a beverage but a cultural asset symbolizing the nation's history and identity.
Recently, however, the situation has changed. The increasing number of health-conscious consumers, the spread of moderation in drinking culture, and lifestyle shifts among younger generations have all contributed to a rapid rise in demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines. In particular, as more consumers in Europe and North America seek to enjoy the flavors of wine without consuming alcohol, non-alcoholic wine has established itself as a long-term market trend, rather than a passing fad.
Italy, which has valued its tradition as the birthplace of wine, has finally embraced changing consumer trends by officially approving the production of non-alcoholic wine. The photo shows a winery in Italy. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
The wine industry has also welcomed this decision. Industry insiders have described non-alcoholic wine as an important opportunity to attract new consumers, noting that advances in technology are rapidly improving the quality of taste and aroma. In fact, the global market for non-alcoholic wine has been recording double-digit growth rates annually, with premium product lines expanding as well.
Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and a member of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, initially opposed the move but eventually changed his stance. He stated that, as the popularity of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines continues to rise, "there is no longer any way to ignore it." After signing the decree, Minister Lollobrigida emphasized his confidence that Italian producers would achieve world-class results in the non-alcoholic wine sector, adding that it is possible to achieve innovation while preserving tradition.
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