Vodka change could spark legal battles

A proposal to change the EU definition of vodka could leave Europe facing both internal litigation and a World Trade Organization (WTO) legal challenge, it has emerged.

The proposal, put forward by the Finnish presidency of the EU, would mean only vodka made from grains, potatoes or molasses could keep its name. All other vodkas would have to call themselves ‘vodka made from’, with the name of the raw material inserted.

The idea has raised accusations that Finland is trying to protect its own predominantly grain-based vodka industry against competition from companies producing alternatives, including plum- and grape-based vodkas.