EU Reinstates 'Marmelade' for All Fruit Jams

A long-standing EU regulation that restricted the use of the word "Marmelade" to citrus-based products is set to be overturned, allowing for the traditional Austrian term to return to the market for all fruit varieties starting June 14.

Previously, under EU law, only products made from citrus fruits could be legally labeled as "Marmelade." All other fruit preserves had to be marketed as "Konfitüre" (jam). This distinction, often referred to as the "Marmelade dispute," had been a point of contention, though the term "Marmelade" remained in common usage.

The change comes with the implementation of the "EU Breakfast Directive," which has been integrated into national law and will take effect mid-June. This directive aims to harmonize regulations concerning breakfast products across member states.

In addition to the clarification on "Marmelade," the new legislation also introduces updated rules for the marketing of honey, further standardizing the labeling and sale of common breakfast staples within the European Union.