European craft distillers call for support as inflation bites
The organization, which represents large and small spirits producers around Europe, wants to see the EU and national governments help distilleries grow and become more resilient: calling for ‘fair regulation and adequate support for SMEs’.
“Craft spirits are growing in popularity as European consumers – who are often drinking less, but seeking out more premium products – become more interested in the provenance and production of the drinks they consume,” says the organization.
“In recent years, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Europe have produced excellent products that meet consumers’ needs while becoming engines for job creation and growth in rural areas.
"In addition to having to manage the setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, craft distillers are operating in the face of numerous challenges such as trade disruptions, supply-chain issues and inflationary pressures. Through the #SpiritsVoices campaign, spiritsEUROPE aims to bridge the gap between craft distillers and policy-making to highlight the difference that fair regulation and adequate support from both the EU and national governments could make.
“spiritsEUROPE met with three distillers from Ireland, France, and Germany: Michael Clancy of Lough Ree Distillery, Christophe Dupic of Rozelieures, and Dr. Thomas Lesniowski of Sauerländer Edelbrennerei. In turn, these small business owners spoke to us about innovation and sustainability, trade, taxation, product labelling and other pressing topics."
