What flexibility exists for spirits bottle sizes in EU markets like France, Spain, and Italy—can craft brands use 750ml instead of the standard 700ml?

EU spirits regulations technically mandate 700ml as the standard size, but enforcement varies significantly by country and market position. **Smaller and niche craft brands often operate with 750ml bottles in practice**, particularly through distribution into Germany and other EU markets, as regulators tend to overlook non-major producers. However, this is informal tolerance rather than official flexibility—having to maintain two bottle sizes (700ml and 750ml) remains a significant operational burden for craft brands. Members noted this is an ongoing frustration for the sector, especially compared to recent US TTB flexibility on alternative spirits sizes. There is currently no formal EU or UK framework allowing size variation, though pressure for change is building within the craft spirits community.