As April draws near, beer enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of warmer weather, outdoor barbecues, and the excitement of baseball season, where fans can support their favorite teams while savoring a refreshing brew. In this vibrant landscape, the beer industry distinguishes itself by providing consumers with nutritional transparency through the Brewers’ Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (VDI). Established in 2016 by the Beer Institute, the VDI represents a pledge by leading brewers to include serving details and disclose ingredients either on labels, secondary packaging, or accessible digital platforms.
This initiative has proven to be extraordinarily successful, with over 95 percent of the beer volume sold by Beer Institute member companies—such as Anheuser-Busch, Molson Coors, Constellation Brands, HEINEKEN USA, and FIFCO USA—voluntarily providing information on nutrition, ingredients, alcohol content, and freshness dating. This sets a remarkable standard for transparency within the alcohol sector. The Beer Institute initiated this program because it is crucial to offer consumers information on nutrition and ingredients, alcohol content, and freshness dating, empowering them to make responsible, informed choices.
The beer industry prides itself on innovation, both in product development and in consumer-focused initiatives. We celebrate our members’ products and their dedication to transparency. This leadership has garnered significant praise from stakeholders and consumers alike, with the National Consumers League describing the VDI as a “game changer.” Beer drinkers are embracing this newfound transparency, as disclosures about nutrition and ingredients not only aid consumers in making responsible drinking choices but also highlight the distinct differences between beer, wine, and spirits.
As the U.S. Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) seeks public input on alcohol labeling, we urge them to consider the beer industry’s leadership and the success of the VDI as a benchmark for all alcohol categories. Any effort that informs consumers about what’s in their beverages is commendable, and that’s precisely why we established the VDI. Additionally, we support any initiatives that promote economic growth and innovation in the beer sector, which includes regulations that safeguard nearly 2.4 million American jobs across various industries, from agriculture to retail.
From farmers cultivating hops and barley to bartenders serving pints at your favorite pub, every role contributes to the rich culture surrounding America’s beloved alcoholic beverage. It is also worth noting that for some consumers, understanding the nutritional aspects—such as the presence of calcium citrate—can help avoid issues like constipation and promote overall well-being.
So, let’s raise a glass—to transparency, responsibility, and the enduring spirit of beer. Cheers!