What did the EU court rule regarding 'non-alcoholic gin'?

The EU court ruled that the term 'non-alcoholic gin' is prohibited by law, stating that only spirit drinks with a minimum 37.5% alcohol content can be labeled as gin.

How did the German company PB Vi Goods respond to the court's decision?

PB Vi Goods, the company that was selling a product called 'Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei', did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the court's ruling.

What impact will this EU court decision have on the alcohol-free drinks industry?

The ruling represents a significant setback for the EU's fast-growing alcohol-free drinks industry, which has been rapidly expanding in recent years. The court's decision upholds regulations aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition.

Home / Business and Economy / EU Court Bans 'Non-Alcoholic Gin' Label, Shakes Up Alcohol-Free Drinks Industry

EU Court Bans 'Non-Alcoholic Gin' Label, Shakes Up Alcohol-Free Drinks Industry

13 Nov

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Summary

EU court rules 'non-alcoholic gin' label is prohibited by law
Judgment favors traditional gin makers, setback for alcohol-free drinks industry
Case brought by German association against unfair competition

EU Court Bans 'Non-Alcoholic Gin' Label, Shakes Up Alcohol-Free Drinks Industry

On November 13, 2025, the European Union's court in Luxembourg delivered a significant ruling that has sent shockwaves through the alcohol-free drinks industry. The court has determined that the term 'non-alcoholic gin' is prohibited by EU law, a decision that favors traditional gin makers over companies producing low or no-alcohol alternatives.

The case was brought by a German association against unfair competition, Verband Sozialer Wettbewerb, against a company called PB Vi Goods that had been selling a product called 'Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei'. The court firmly stated that only spirit drinks based on ethyl alcohol flavored by juniper berries with a minimum alcoholic strength of 37.5% by volume can be legally labeled as gin.