14/12/2023
I usually don't share much about my consulting work on Facebook, but this time I've decided to repost a LinkedIn communication discussing the successes achieved by the industrial associations I have the honor of coordinating.
I'm doing this because, beyond the technicalities of the lobbying profession, what happened has made me realize that if you believe in something, you should never give up, especially when you're fighting for a just cause.
At the beginning of both consulting journeys, specifically in the realms of wine labeling and renewable energies, reaching the goal seemed impossible. Yet, with the support of our member companies and key institutions that played a crucial role, we managed to accomplish this feat.
Moreover, these issues concern every citizen, as we are discussing the labeling of one of the world's most widely consumed products, wine, and the realm of renewable energies.
The impact reaches far and wide, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the food and beverage industry and the collective responsibility we share in advancing renewable energy solutions. It's a conversation that touches us all.
Here is the text of the Linkedin post and how to get there directly if you want to know more about these themes:
🍇✨ Exciting Achievements in 2023 for the Italian and European Grape Derivatives Associations! 🌿🍷
As 2023 draws to a close, we are thrilled to share two remarkable successes achieved by the 3 Italian and European Associations of grape derivatives, managed by Bertagni Consulting Srl.
1️⃣ WiDEN Triumphs with the Preservation of Marcs and Lees Ethanol Double Counting Mechanism: WiDEN, the continental network of viticultural distilleries, celebrates the retention of the mechanism that grants double value to ethanol derived from lees and grape marc when used as a biofuel. This ethanol remains a crucial player among advanced biofuels listed in Annex IX of the new Renewable Energy Directive.
2️⃣ FederMosti and MUST Secure Labeling Recognition for Enrichment-Used Sucrose: FederMosti and MUST, the Italian and European associations of concentrated grape must producers, successfully advocate for the mandatory labeling of wines containing sucrose used for enrichment purposes. This recognition marks a significant step towards transparency in wine communication, ensuring consumers are informed about the use of sucrose, a typical ingredient not belonging to the grape production chain.
🗣️ Words from Marco Bertagni, Founder of Bertagni Consulting Srl and President of these Industrial Networks: "These achievements are victories against all odds! The European first-generation biofuel associations pushed for the abolition of the 'double counting' for ethanol from pomace and grape marc, deeming it a distortion of competition. We emphasized the indispensable role of viticultural distilleries for wine producers, highlighting that without valorization of vinification by-products, they would become waste, causing severe environmental impact. The European Commission accepted our arguments."
"As for wine labeling reform, FederMosti and MUST have been at the forefront of enhancing transparency in wine communication, particularly in informing consumers about the use of sucrose. We found support from consumer advocacy groups, including Federconsumatori, and from just few agricultural and wine producer associations, including Coldiretti and the French Pays d’Oc association, member of MUST. The obligation to label sucrose, as well as concentrated grape must, is a significant leap forward in transparency. Now, consumers worldwide will know if a wine contains sucrose and can make informed decisions."
Cheers to a future of transparency, sustainable practices, and innovation in the grape derivatives industry! 🌍🍇🍷
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7140982564613246979/
