2nd December 2025, Geneva – The WTO Trade Dialogues in Food webinar brought together leading experts and industry representatives to discuss the evolving landscape of food information, digital labelling, and their implications for international trade. The session explored how digital tools, such as QR codes and apps, are transforming consumer access to product information, raising questions about data reliability, regulatory harmonization, and the impact on global trade, especially for small producers and developing countries.
CEO of the World Spirits Alliance, Helen Medina, emphasized the spirits sector’s proactive embrace of digital labeling, noting that QR codes and online information are already being used in several European countries. She highlighted that digital labels offer consumers instant access to sustainability credentials, recycling information, and responsible consumption messages, while also supporting regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. Helen Medina stressed the importance of interoperability and global standards to avoid creating new trade barriers, and advocated for collaboration among regulators, industry, and standard-setting bodies. Additionally, Helen shared insights from a WSA-led session at the WTO Public Forum, which underscored the need for trustworthy, inclusive digital labelling solutions that empower both consumers and producers without excluding those lacking digital access.
Some key takeaways from the session:
- Consumers are increasingly interested in more information. Digital labels can provide that additional information.
- Digital labelling empowers producers, informs consumers, and regulators and promotes sustainability.
- It is a win-win for all stakeholders.
Find the full webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_FwWFy6iNM
