Advocating for Sustainable Growth & Responsible Policies
In September 2024, WSA Member Campari Group and Federvini hosted an event alongside the G7 Italian Agricultural Ministerial Meetings in Siracusa, Italy – providing a platform for the wine and spirits industry to engage directly with G7 agricultural leaders. For the first time, industry representatives gathered to discuss how these two sectors contribute to economic and rural development – highlighting their role in cultural heritage, responsible trade, and economic sustainability.
During the event, Helen Median, CEO of the WSA, participated in a panel discussion advocating for policies that encourage more inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the spirits trade. She was joined by:
- Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of Comité Européen des Entreprises Vines
- Ulrich Adam, then Director General at spiritsEUROPE
- Marco Montanaro, Director General Federvini
- Micaela Pallini, President of Federvini
- Fernanda Roggero, Food&wine editor Il Sole 24 Ore (Moderator)
Priorities of the Wine and Spirits Sector
- Heritage Preservation: Preserve our rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, by guaranteeing highest quality standards for our products.
- Strengthening Cross-sectoral Collaboration: Partnering together to promote responsible, inclusive & sustainable growth.
- Encouraging Responsible Consumption: Supporting education and awareness initiatives Play a leading role in promote responsible drinking patterns as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Recommendations for Policymakers
- Recognize the Sector’s Contribution: Acknowledge wine and spirits as part of the G7’s cultural & culinary heritage, emphasizing their role in rural economic development.
- Ensure Policy Consistency for Growth: Align regulatory frameworks to foster responsible, inclusive and sustainable growth of the wine & spirits sector.
- Support Business-Friendly Environments: Facilitate investment in research and innovation, allowing producers to enhance sustainability and product quality.
- Promote Regulatory Transparency: Facilitate the harmonization of regulatory standards to support the competitiveness of the sector and ensure fair market access.
- Strengthen Protection of Geographic Indications (GIs): Strengthen the legal protection and promotion of high-quality products.
- Champion Open, Fair Trade: Advocate for rules-based international trade, removing unfair market access barriers for wine & spirits across the world.
- Adopt Science-Based Policy Approaches: Formulate evidence-based health policy responses that duly differentiate between moderate consumption and alcohol abuse, fostering constructive dialogue and best practice exchanges between stakeholders.
A Stronger Future for the Wine & Spirits Industry
The G7 Ministerial Meeting marked a significant step toward greater cooperation between the agricultural and wine & spirits sectors. This work with policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations is essential to advance responsible, sustainable, and fair trade policies that support both public health objectives and our sector’s economic growth.
