As consumer demand for non-alcoholic wine continues to grow, wineries and beverage companies are increasingly expanding their portfolios to include products containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While these products may resemble traditional wine, they are often subject to a very different regulatory framework. Understanding the applicable labeling requirements before printing labels or
One of the more common — and avoidable — issues we see during the TTB Certificate of Label Approval (“COLA”) process involves labels containing foreign language text without an accompanying English translation. Although this issue may seem minor, it can result in a COLA application being placed in “Needs Correction” status, delaying approval timelines and
Common TTB COLA Application Errors: Foreign Text and Required Translations Read More »
The market for non-alcoholic spirits and spirit alternatives continues to grow rapidly as consumers seek sophisticated beverage options without alcohol. However, despite the popularity of these products, many companies are surprised to learn that labeling non-alcoholic spirit products can present significant regulatory and compliance challenges. Unlike traditional distilled spirits, non-alcoholic spirit alternatives may fall under
Labeling Requirements for Non-Alcoholic Spirit Products: Key Compliance Considerations Read More »
One of the most frequently overlooked — yet critically important — requirements on alcohol beverage labels is the federal Government Warning Statement. Although the statement itself appears straightforward, we regularly encounter labels containing formatting errors, punctuation mistakes, improper placement, or incorrect font sizing. These seemingly minor issues can result in delays during the label approval
Common TTB Labeling Errors: The Government Warning Statement Read More »
One of the most common compliance mistakes we encounter in the alcohol beverage industry involves changes made to labels after a Certificate of Label Approval (“COLA”) has already been issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). In particular, industry members often assume they may freely add marketing language, product descriptions, or
Common TTB Labeling Errors: Adding New Text to an Approved COLA Read More »
Low-alcohol wines have become an increasingly popular category within the broader beverage market. Consumers are often drawn to these products for their lower alcohol content, reduced calorie profile, and convenience—particularly when packaged in smaller, more portable formats suited for casual, on-the-go occasions. As demand continues to grow, producers entering this space should be mindful that
Under FDA regulations, most packaged food and beverage products are required to include a Nutrition Facts panel on their labels. However, the FDA recognizes that this requirement can be burdensome for very small businesses and therefore provides a Small Business Nutrition Labeling Exemption for qualifying companies. In general, a business may qualify for the exemption
What is the FDA Small Business Nutrition Labeling Exemption? Read More »
When most people think about wine labeling requirements in the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) typically comes to mind. For the majority of wines sold in the U.S., this is correct—the TTB regulates labeling and advertising for wines containing 7% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) or more. However, wines with
FDA Wine Labeling Requirements for Low-Alcohol Wines Read More »
Hard seltzers have surged in popularity over the past few years, appealing to consumers who prioritize flavor variety, low-calorie options, and modern branding. But behind the bubbly trend lies a complex regulatory framework that every producer must navigate—especially when it comes to labeling. Whether you’re a startup brewery or a seasoned alcohol beverage company diversifying
Creating a compliant, compelling alcohol beverage label is far more than a design exercise—it’s a regulatory requirement. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) governs label approvals in the U.S., and if your label is missing required information or includes prohibited language, it can delay your go-to-market timeline or worse—trigger regulatory enforcement down