Why does WFA have a wine health policy?
The view of WFA that wine in moderation is not harmful - and in fact is beneficial - has not always been accepted. Powerful lobby groups are working to push serious imposts onto the industry, similar to tobacco. These threats include health warning labels, advertising bans and increased taxation. WFA believes these imposts will only harm the industry, while failing to achieve positive health incomes.
At the same time, WFA believes that its members must accept that
wine is not always consumed in moderation. Consequently, we all
have a responsibility to ensure that our business practices do
not contribute to the harmful consumption of wine.
Our vision for the
industry
For wine to be understood as a lifestyle beverage
to be enjoyed in moderation and for the industry to promote sustainable
and socially responsible consumption of our wines
How will we achieve
this?
While promoting wine as a beneficial, lifestyle
beverage, WFA works to protect the industry from over-regulation
by those who see wine as a disproportionate threat to health.
In a recent response to the threat of over-regulation,
WFA has adopted a detailed Wine Health Strategy, which will be
implemented in coming years. WFA has also made extensive submissions
to the government's National Alcohol Strategy.
WFA is also working with a range of stakeholders to promote responsible consumption, such as the Standard Drinks campaign.
What impact have we had on the issue so far?
The industry has had a long standing commitment
to promoting consumption of wine in moderation. To support this
stance, WFA has initiated a number of programmes, including:
- The development and promotion of standard drinks labelling
- The initiation of advertising self regulation on alcohol
products
- The promotion of appropriate levels of consumption for
males and females
- The development of close working relations with Federal and State Government agencies in the development of policies and guidelines
- Partnering with other alcohol sectors in the formation of DrinkWise to seek to change the culture of alcohol misuse
Further Information & Resources
Who's working on health and social responsibility?
Members are welcome to contact Dominic with any enquiries on health issues.
