Antje Brandt has mocked Brussels by renaming her traditional German eggnog-like drink, known as Eierlikör, after Brussels said her family’s prized secret recipe fell ‘fowl’ of new regulations because it is made with condensed milk. The updated law bans any drink which contains dairy products from being sold under the guise of Eierlikör, which translates as egg-liquor. In fact, a ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last autumn stated that Eierlikör must only contain eggs, alcohol, sugar, honey and flavouring.
The ECJ stated the protection of consumers as the reason behind its decision.
The ruling left Ms Brandt, managing director of poultry farm Braune, with a simple choice.
She could either bow to Brussels by changing the ingredients and taking out the non-compliant dairy or come up with a new plan to stand up to the EU.
The farmer, from Altenweddingen in central Germany, refused to let the bloc mess with the centuries old recipe and launched a new product which she scornfully labelled EUliquor or EUlikör in her native German.
Ms Brandt told German news website Stern she was inspired by numerous customers who told her to stick with the original recipe after not being satisfied with attempts to find a similar drink without condensed milk.
She added she hoped the name of the drink draws attention to the strict guidelines of the EU regulation.
In a derisive nod to the ECJ’s ruling, the bottle comes inscribed with the phrase: “We hope to have informed every consumer fully about the product and to have protected them in their decision of enjoyment.”
Ms Brandt was forced into making the change after a rival liquor company, who also had to adapt to the new rules, filed a lawsuit against her.
Tänzer and Trasper renamed their drink ’Scharfes Gelb’ (Hot Yellow) in order to comply with Brussels and the managing director wanted the same restrictions to be applied to everyone.
He also accused Ms Brandt of using the same shape for her drink’s bottle, telling Stern: “Those who copy must also adhere to the guidelines.”
Ms Brandt is not fazed by the saga despite the verdict of the lawsuit still pending.
She suggested the name change has actually had a positive impact on her business, saying: “It went well for us, many customers have become aware of us.”
However, the rigamarole may not be over just yet.
In March the European Parliament is scheduled to decide on a new regulation which could affect drinks containing spirits.