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Non-alcoholic beverages can't be sold as gin, EU court rules

The European Court of Justice ruled that only alcoholic beverages can be called “gin,” banning non-alcoholic drinks like “Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei” from using the name to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.

Charlotte Van Campenhout

November 13, 2025

The name 'gin' is reserved solely for alcoholic beverages, the European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday.

The case was brought by Verband Sozialer Wettbewerb, a German association against unfair competition, targeting PB Vi Goods, which sold a drink called "Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei".

The German court handling the case referred it to the European Court of Justice for a ruling.

Under EU law, gin must be made by flavoring ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin with juniper berries and have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5%.

The court said the prohibition protects consumers from confusion and ensures fair competition among gin producers.

"The fact that the legal name 'gin' is accompanied by the term 'non-alcoholic' is irrelevant in that regard," the court added.

PB Vi Goods did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.

-Charlotte Van Campenhout/Reuters