WHO [Europe] highlights Nordic alcohol monopolies as a comprehensive model for reducing alcohol consumption and harm

The Nordic alcohol monopolies, stores that have the exclusive right to sell most alcoholic beverages in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands, have contributed to relatively low alcohol consumption and reduced alcohol-related harm in the Nordic countries. This is a part of the WHO European Region historically known for harmful drinking patterns and high levels of associated harm.

Alcohol consumption levels in the European Union (EU) have remained largely unchanged for over a decade, making it the subregion with the highest consumption levels globally. The EU is currently not on track to meet the global and regional reduction targets for alcohol consumption.

To address this, the public health community is looking at good practices across EU countries, where alcohol consumption has been decreasing or has been kept at low levels.

The new WHO/Europe report “Nordic alcohol monopolies: understanding their role in a comprehensive alcohol policy and public health significance” highlights a comprehensive model used in the Nordic countries that other EU countries could learn from.

A model for reducing harm

Unlike for-profit alcohol sales models, the Nordic approach (excluding mainland Denmark and Greenland) restricts alcohol availability and minimizes commercial influence by preventing grocery stores and private retailers from selling stronger alcoholic beverages.

State-owned monopolies – ÁTVR in Iceland (with Vínbúðin as the retail store for alcohol), Systembolaget in Sweden, Alko in Finland, Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins in the Faroe Islands, and Vinmonopolet in Norway – operate with a clear mission: to protect public health over profit.

With limits on outlet numbers and sale hours and days, strict enforcement of age controls, and no marketing or discount pricing, these monopolies emphasize managing alcohol as a product with inherent risks, rather than treating it as an ordinary consumer product.

“This public health-first approach in the management of alcohol retail sales in Nordic countries is a great demonstration of alcohol policies that work,” says Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Adviser for Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health at WHO/Europe.

“Countries with state-owned monopolies have lower per capita alcohol consumption compared to the EU average, and generally have lower rates of alcohol-attributable harms, which span from liver disease, cancers and cardiovascular conditions to injuries and drownings.”

Challenging pressures and threats

Despite the monopolies’ strong public support and proven health benefits, recent legislative initiatives in several Nordic countries signal a potential shift toward privatization of retail alcohol sales, which could undo decades of public health gains.

In Finland, for example, recent policy changes have allowed the sale of a large proportion of alcoholic beverages outside monopoly stores, and there is ongoing consultation on permitting home delivery of alcohol. Similarly, in Sweden, a new court case challenges the monopoly’s exclusive rights to online sales, while proposed laws would permit farm sales of alcoholic beverages.

“There is consistent evidence that the structure of the retail alcohol distribution system – in other words, how, when and where alcohol is sold – significantly affects alcohol sales,” adds Dr Ferreira-Borges. “Government monopolies on off-premises retail sales have been shown to reduce alcohol consumption while privatizing alcohol sales tends to increase consumption.”

Two significant real-world privatization events illustrate how allowing alcohol sales in grocery stores in the 1960s has historically resulted in increased consumption and associated problems in Finland and Sweden. These findings suggest that the Nordic monopolies’ strict regulation of alcohol availability and elimination of promotion and marketing at sales outlets, including online stores, are key features that contribute to reduced alcohol consumption at the population level in their respective countries.

“WHO/Europe emphasizes that expanding alcohol availability could reverse the positive public health indicators that Nordic countries have achieved over decades of controlled alcohol sales,” Dr Ferreira-Borges concludes.

A global best-practice model at risk

Nordic alcohol monopolies serve as models worldwide, showcasing the benefits of recognizing alcohol as a harmful product with considerable social, economic and health impacts that requires specific approaches to management.

They align closely with WHO’s 3 recommended best buys (affordable, feasible and cost-effective intervention strategies) for alcohol control: increasing taxes/raising prices, restricting availability and restricting advertising. These have consistently shown to be the most effective means of reducing alcohol-related harm on a broad scale.

Source: World Health Organization

Selecting the Perfect Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Champagne for Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with champagne is not only elegant but also gastronomically versatile. The effervescent nature of champagne enhances the dining experience by complementing a wide range of foods, from oysters and creamy cheeses to chocolates and fruity desserts. The acidity and bubbles of champagne also elevate the flavors, making it a suitable choice for many dishes.

The tradition of toasting with champagne on Valentine’s Day adds a touch of elegance and festivity, making the moment even more special and memorable. Cheers to love and happiness!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, selecting the perfect Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque champagne is essential for your special evening. Consider the unique qualities and pairing potential of each style to ensure an evening of refined delight.

Brief History of Belle Epoque

Belle Epoque means “Beautiful Era” in French and refers to a period of peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing in France and Western Europe, roughly spanning from the late 19th century to the onset of World War I. It was a time of artistic, architectural, and intellectual advancements, characterized by lavish lifestyles and exquisite tastes. Perrier-Jouet, a prestigious champagne house founded in 1811, embraced this spirit of refinement and elegance in their Belle Epoque series. The collection, adorned with the iconic anemone flowers designed by Emile Gallé, an Art Nouveau master, pays homage to this golden age.

2013 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut Rose Millesime

The 2013 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Rose Millesime exemplifies sophistication and grace. This vintage is crafted from a harmonious blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with a higher proportion of Pinot Noir imparting a delicate pink hue.

Tasting Notes: The nose is greeted with aromas of red berries, citrus, and floral undertones, hinting at the finesse within. On the palate, it offers a captivating balance of freshness and richness, with flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression.

Food Pairing for Valentine’s Day: This champagne is a perfect companion for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. It pairs beautifully with dishes such as lobster salad, roasted duck breast with a berry sauce, or a selection of fresh berries and cream for dessert.

2012 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime

The 2012 Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime is a pure expression of Chardonnay from the esteemed Côte des Blancs vineyards. Known for its exceptional purity and minerality, this vintage showcases the elegance of the terroir.

Tasting Notes: The bouquet is rich with white flowers, citrus, and a hint of brioche, reflecting its unique origins. On the palate, it is vibrant and crisp, with flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and a touch of almond. The finish is long and refreshing, embodying sophistication.

Food Pairing for Valentine’s Day: For a memorable Valentine’s Day, pair this champagne with oysters, seared scallops, or a delicate goat cheese salad. Its crispness complements the subtle flavors of seafood and light dishes.

2014 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Millesime Brut

The 2014 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Millesime Brut is a testament to the house’s dedication to producing exceptional vintage champagnes. This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier from the finest vineyards offers a luminous golden color with fine, persistent bubbles.

Tasting Notes: The bouquet reveals enticing notes of white flowers, ripe pear, and a hint of honey. On the palate, it is well-balanced with a creamy texture, presenting flavors of stone fruits, citrus, and a hint of spice. The finish is sophisticated and enduring.

Food Pairing for Valentine’s Day: This champagne’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for a Valentine’s Day feast. It pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes like poached salmon, creamy risotto, or a selection of aged cheeses.

Regardless of your choice among these three Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque champagnes, you are assured an evening that epitomizes elegance, romance, and memorable experiences!

Four Key Trends Shaping Beer and Wine Design in 2025

In the intensely competitive beer and wine industry, packaging and labelling represent the first, and at times, the only opportunity to leave a lasting impression. As graphic design trends continue to evolve, they provide innovative avenues to tell a compelling story, evoke nuanced emotions, and convey a sense of premium quality to potential consumers. Highlighted below are four distinctive design trends, as forecasted by Packaging World’s global network of freelance designers on 99designs by Vista, which are anticipated to shape the aesthetic landscape of beer and wine in 2025:

  1. Etches and Imprints: A Touch of Humanity

This visual trend celebrates imperfection and authenticity by focusing on the tactile quality of design: it’s all about textures. Inspired by hand-drawn scribbles, smudges, and linocut techniques, this style exudes warmth and craftsmanship and is perfect for both wine and beer brands.

How to apply it:

Incorporate hand-drawn illustrations that feel raw and organic and avoid a flawless finish. Think smudged ink or charcoal strokes that look as if they might have been drawn straight onto the bottle.

Use textured printing techniques that mimic artistic styles like linocuts or etching to elevate details on your packaging design.

Pair these elements with natural tones and uncoated paper stocks to reinforce a handmade vibe.

Why it works:

This design trend will make your brand approachable and genuine, qualities that resonate with consumers seeking authentic experiences. A wine label featuring a linocut style print or pen and ink illustration pushes back against synthetic perfection, successfully communicating heritage and care, alongside aesthetic shelf appeal.

  1. Fine Art to Fine Wine: Packaging as Art

This trend transforms wine labels and beer cans into gallery-worthy masterpieces. By pulling consumers’ attention to intricate artwork or photography on the label, the design itself becomes a centrepiece, exuding a sophistication and elegance that in turn elevates the product inside. From paint-like textures to monochrome photographic prints, wine brands can capture the magic of fine art in new and unexpected ways.

How to apply it:

Use simple geometric shapes or borders to frame intricate illustrations or detailed imagery – don’t be afraid to have elements overlap the edges to capture attention.

Choose soft, neutral backgrounds to allow the “framed” design to shine.

Pair the artwork with minimalistic typography for a balanced, high-end feel.

Why it works: 

This style of label design evokes the exclusivity and refinement of collectible art. This can range from traditional, more classical styles to avant-garde illustrations perfect for craft beer cans, but what is key is that advancements in printing technology make it easy for brands to feature detailed, high-quality reproductions that don’t lose any of the details and textures that make it feel special.

  1. Playful Mascots that Amp Up Personality

In contrast to the more polished and serious design styles, the trend that elevates hand-drawn mascots embraces humor and whimsy. With bold, simple outlines reminiscent of doodles, these mascots invite consumers to smile and engage with the brand or product.

How to apply it:

Create a playful character that aligns with your brand’s personality—and it doesn’t have to be a grape or a hop! Some of the most successful mascots are much more unexpected, with anthropomorphic animals being a firm favorite around the world.

Use bold, contrasting colors to make the mascot pop.

Keep the design clean and uncomplicated, allowing the mascot to take center stage.

Why it works: 

Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that don’t take themselves too seriously. A mascot—especially one that looks as if it might have been drawn in Sharpie— creates a sense of approachability and joy, making this design trend perfect for casual, social occasions where you might be enjoying a craft beer or sparkling wine.

  1. Collage and Scrapbooking: Layers of Storytelling

One of this year’s biggest design trends is a structured scrapbook style that captures the nostalgia of scrapbooking and gives it a modern, polished twist. This style thrives on layering, balance, and intentional placement to create a rich, multi-dimensional look that doesn’t overwhelm. Perfect for wine brands looking to stand out from the crowd, this is another trend that captures a hand-crafted, artisanal aesthetic without compromising on modernity.

How to apply it:

Layer textures, photos, doodles, and sticker-like elements in a cohesive layout.

Don’t be afraid to use sharp color accents to highlight elements of grayscale design.

Maintain a balance between playful elements and clean typography to ensure legibility and avoid overcrowding.

Why it works: 

Collage and scrapbooking are a perfect medium for visual storytelling. A beer label could layer photos of its origin story with playful sketches, while a wine label might use cutouts and highlighted details to evoke a sense of heritage and community, for example.

These design trends showcase the diverse ways beer and wine brands can connect with consumers in 2025. Whether you are seeking elegance, humor, or layered storytelling, these creative approaches will help your products stand out on the shelf and resonate in ways that remain authentic and true to your brand Consider exploring one of these trends to elevate your brand’s visual impact!

 

Source: Packaging World

 

 

Sonoma County Tourism Unveils “Wine Country for All of Us”

Sonoma County Tourism an industry leader in destination stewardship announces its new initiative, “Wine Country for All of Us,” a thoughtful and deliberate commitment to fostering belonging among visitors and residents. Grounded in Sonoma County’s long-standing dedication to inclusivity, the initiative celebrates the region’s diverse history and invites everyone to experience Wine Country through their own lens.

Through the decades, the area has become a haven for visitors and local residents seeking connected communities and genuine acceptance. From the LGBTQ+ pioneers who found refuge in Guerneville’s redwoods to the multi-generational immigrant families who shaped the wine and agriculture industries to a collective of women’s history activists who began efforts that became Women’s History Month, Sonoma County’s culture reflects a deep-rooted tradition of advocating for, welcoming and celebrating individuals from all walks of life.

Sonoma County Tourism is further reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity by pursuing a new partnership with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessibility travel experiences, to enhance accessibility and create more inclusive travel experiences. The region is in the beginning stages of seeking “Destination Verified” status, which will provide visitors with access to necessary information regarding accessibility options, ensuring their needs are fulfilled before, during, and after their trip. Additional affiliations with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)Kind Traveler, and Leave No Trace help solidify the region’s philosophy of stewarding the environment and encouraging visitors to respect and care for the county’s natural splendor and habitat. Training classes and resources provided by SCT’s Accredited Hospitality Professionals (AHP) program will also continue to equip local businesses with tools to further foster inclusivity and create environments where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Brian Marchi, Chair of Sonoma County Tourism’s Board of Directors, remarked, “Sonoma County has always been a place where creativity and inclusivity thrive. ‘Wine Country for All of Us’ builds on that legacy, ensuring every visitor feels seen and celebrated while enriching the community. This initiative is a testament to our shared values and a meaningful step toward a more connected, welcoming future.”

The initiative will be supported by a dynamic and upcoming integrated marketing campaign, “This is Wine Country”, which will expand perceptions of the region and invite travelers to discover Sonoma County’s unexpected treasures. The campaign underscores SCT’s authentic, purpose-driven travel ethos, showcasing unique wine country experiences, including redwood hikes, coastal adventures, encounters with local artisans, culinary innovation, and more.

As Sonoma County Tourism looks ahead, “Wine Country for All of Us” serves as a guiding principle, reinforcing the region’s commitment to the belief that travel can inspire deeper understanding and connection. With a history steeped in inclusivity and a future focused on equity and accessibility, Sonoma County Tourism is leading the way in creating a destination where Life Opens Up — for all.

Old Vine Registry Surpasses 4,000 Entries: Vineyards Planted in 1990 Now Eligible

The Old Vine Registry, recognized as the foremost global database dedicated to documenting old vine vineyards, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 4,000 entries. This accomplishment underscores the registry’s ongoing commitment to cataloging historic vineyards, with entries now encompassing 39 countries. In addition, vineyards established in 1990 are now eligible for inclusion. The registry aims to expand its database to 10,000 vineyards by 2027, reflecting its dedication to preserving viticultural heritage.

With the changing of the year, vineyards planted in 1990 are now 35 years old and are eligible for inclusion in the registry. Producers are encouraged to submit their vineyards at https://www.oldvineregistry.org/.

The OIV’s recently passed Resolution OIV-VITI 703-2024 “OIV definition and recommendations about old grapevines and old vineyards in the vitivinicultural sector” made the explicit recommendation to all wine regions around the world to “promote and encourage the cataloguing of old vineyards and old grapevines.”

The Old Vine Registry was conceived expressly for that purpose, with the idea that to study, preserve, or support old vines around the world, you first need to know where they all are. The registry launched in June of 2023 with 2183 entries and has grown steadily over the last year and a half.

“The recent OIV Resolution really validated what we’re doing,” says wine writer Alder Yarrow, who serves as the day-to-day manager of the registry. “I hope it will encourage both individual producers and whole regions to publish information about their old vines.”