Satellite monitoring of the impacts of extreme events on the vineyard

The Consortium for the Protection of Prosecco DOC is particularly pleased with the approval of the SGUARDO project – Satellite monitoring of the impacts of extreme events on the vineyard by the Region.
The project sees the participation of three institutional bodies – Veneto Region, through the Agri-Food Directorate; University of Padua, through the Department of Agronomy, Animals, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNAE); and Veneto Agency for Payments (AVEPA) – whose synergy aims to provide concrete and innovative support to the wine sector, with the involvement of other actors such as Abaco and the Treviso-Belluno Defense Consortium.

The Prosecco DOC Consortium has been the promoter of this initiative, not only to monitor and analyze the evolution of extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts and extensive hailstorms, but also to be able to intervene in a timely manner on supply management.

In fact, thanks to the implementation of satellite systems capable of detecting different gradients of chlorophyll refraction and weather radar, the tool will be able to identify and demarcate areas affected by calamitous events, as well as their negative impacts on grape quantity and quality. Such technology, therefore, will be able to support control activities by intensifying them in affected areas, avoiding waste of resources, including CO2 emissions, to the benefit of the environment.

So, the integration of satellite data will contribute to a profound transformation of agriculture, pursuing the sustainability goals set by the Consortium, supporting the entire supply chain and ensuring a quality product for the consumer.

Microsoft Italia and Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato together against counterfeiting of the world’s best-selling Italian bubbles

 

Microsoft Italy and the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato have signed a collaboration agreement to defend Italian products from counterfeiting and the Italian sounding phenomenon with advanced generative artificial intelligence solutions.
As part of the memorandum, an AI-based virtual assistant is to be established to verify the authenticity of products. A tangible example of this collaboration is the project with the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco, to create a virtual assistant that can ensure the originality of labels and provide detailed information about the product.

 

Microsoft Italia and the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato S.p.A. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that initiates a strategic collaboration aimed at exploring and developing innovative projects based on artificial intelligence that aim to protect the authenticity of Italian products from the phenomenon of counterfeiting.

 

Among the initiatives part of this agreement is the development of a virtual assistant based on the artificial intelligence of Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot and IPZS proprietary models capable of verifying the authenticity of products and analyzing traceability data, thus contributing to the fight against counterfeiting of Italian excellences around the world.

An example of this collaboration is the project with the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco-the world’s most beloved Italian bubbly, with 616 million bottles produced by 2023 (81 percent of which will be for export)-which involves the creation of a generative artificial intelligence chatbot called Brand Protection Assistant. This tool will offer users a range of useful information about products, including verification of label authenticity through a simple photo to the state mark. In addition, through a snapshot of the label, the virtual assistant will be able to provide detailed information on provenance, characteristics, and pairings. This is a pilot project that will be replicable and scalable for all Made in Italy products, from the food supply chain and beyond.

 

The memorandum of understanding also expands the scope of possible collaboration between the two parties to business optimization through Copilot for Microsoft 365 and the use of Microsoft’s Azure cloud services. The companies will identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, increase scalability and modernize business management systems. This will enable them to take full advantage of advanced technologies for more effective and innovative management.

 

Quotes

 

Francesco Soro, CEO of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato: “With the launch of this project, the Poligrafico dello Stato confirms itself as the main and most advanced point of reference in the fight against counterfeiting and in the protection of Italian excellence on world markets.”

 

Vincenzo Esposito, CEO of Microsoft Italia: “The collaboration between Microsoft and the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato launches new digitization projects aimed at strengthening the security and authenticity of Italian products, while promoting innovation and leveraging the latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing. We are proud of the first project together with the Institute to protect such a world-famous brand as the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco. Thanks to the simplicity of AI it will be possible to offer consumers the opportunity to know the originality of the product.”

 

Giancarlo Guidolin, President of the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco: “The agreement between Microsoft and the Istituto Poligrafico is a real source of satisfaction for us. Consumers will be protected as never before through a simple chat that leverages artificial intelligence, making access to information easier and more immediate. We are really happy that our product, which is the result of the relentless work of everyone in the supply chain, can be protected by implementing the use of technology in our favor. In fact, for some time now we have been engaged in a fruitful collaboration with the IPZS with the aim of identifying innovative technological solutions capable of ensuring an ever greater guarantee to consumers, so we look forward to the future with enthusiasm, certain that this innovation will bring concrete and lasting benefits to the world of designations of origin.”

 

MICROSOFT ITALIA

https://news.microsoft.com/it-it/

Chiara Mizzi, Direttore Relazioni Esterne
chiaram@microsoft.com

 

BURSON

Marta Grassini

marta.grassini@bcw-global.com – Tel. 346 9565753

Martina Nava

martina.nava@bcw-global.com – Tel. 320 8255390

Valeria Valenti

valeria.valenti@bcw-global.com – Tel. 328.1932734

ISTITUTO POLIGRAFICO E ZECCA DELLO STATO

https://www.ipzs.it/ext/index.html
Ufficio stampa
ufficiostampa@ipzs.it

Prosecco DOC in Casa Italia at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Casa Italia

For the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, CONI has chosen the Pré Catelan to host Casa Italia, the iconic pavilion where Pierre de Coubertin celebrated the birth of the Modern Olympic Games in 1894. Built in the vast Bois de Boulogne park, it will be the place that will welcome athletes, coaches and guests of Team Italy.

 

Ensemble

The theme chosen for Casa Italia is “Ensemble,” a concept that from Rio 2016 to the present expresses the importance of collaboration, community and sharing. “Ensemble” embodies not only the spirit of sport, but also the commitment to social and environmental sustainability: the project will use recyclable materials and reduce waste, continuing the sustainable approach begun with Tokyo 2020. In addition, Casa Italia becomes a stage for all Made in Italy, welcoming Italian excellence at 360 degrees in one of the most important showcases in the world.

 

Prosecco DOC at Casa Italia

Prosecco DOC will be the Official Supplier of Casa Italia: the bubbles will open the games with the inaugural dinner, where they will be served in the presence of President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, and then remain next to the medal-winning athletes, who will receive a Magnum of Prosecco DOC to officially celebrate their successes in Casa Italia.

 

The products of the companies – Abbazia di San Gaudenzio, Brilla! Ca’ di Rajo, Cantine Maschio, Casalforte, Italian Wine Brands, La Delizia, La Marca, Mionetto, Perlino, Pitars, Rocca del Forti, Ruggeri, Serena Wines 1881, Val D’Oca, Valdo, Villa Sandi, Viticoltori Ponte, Zardetto – will be available in the Prosecco DOC branded Lounge area, in the Casa Italia Restaurant with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani, and in the Bistro set up “Chalet Après Ski” style – a tribute to the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympics that Italy will host in just two years. During the Paralympics, an additional space entirely dedicated to the upcoming Winter Games will be set up to tell how the country is preparing for this important event. Casa Italia 2024, in fact, will also give place to the “passing of the baton” to Milan-Cortina 2026, of which the Prosecco DOC Consortium is Official Sparkling Wine.

The Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco has recently taken a prominent role within Wine in Moderation, becoming National Coordinator.

Wine in Moderation is an international association that aims to spread the culture of “responsible drinking” by educating the public through a series of initiatives such as informational events and training for companies. Examples include the establishment of Wine in Moderation Day, which will be celebrated every November 8, and the upcoming Congress on “Lifestyle, Diet, Wine & Health” to be held in Rome from March 26-28, 2025. The activities carried out in 2023 by the various bodies have been compiled in the report prepared by Wine in Moderation.

How to be part of Wine in Moderation

Wine in Moderation is made up of many members but offers different ways to participate, allowing anyone to contribute to the project according to their possibilities and resources. How?

The Consortium therefore invites everyone to be an active part of this movement: becoming a supporter is very easy, just register through this link. Alcohol abuse is a social scourge that needs to be combated, and together, it is possible to incentivize positive change by making consumers aware that “The greatest wine is the one you can remember.”

Meetings for the protection of Geographical Indications at the EUIPO headquarters.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, which deals with trademarks, designs and models of the European Union, has recently organised two meetings, in which the Consortium took part, that will increase the debate on the protection of GIs.

OriGIn and EUIPO, an international collaboration for the protection of GIs

From 10 to 11 June, the EUIPO hosted a bilateral meeting with oriGIn (International Geographical Indications Network Organisation), a body representing the most important Consortia at international level. During this event, there was a discussion on various crucial topics for the Consortia such as the EUIPO guidelines for registering trademarks; the impact of the new European Wine Regulation on GIs; international cooperation projects and information and protection tools for GIs.

Workshop on the protection of Geographical Indications

For years, the Consortium has been part of the OPSON project, an initiative developed by Europol as part of the fight against food counterfeiting. An important workshop was held in Alicante on the 17th and 18th, bringing together public and private sector representatives from the food and wine sector. Participants included the EUIPO, the European Commission and Europol, the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy of various countries, customs officials and law enforcement agencies; along with private sector representatives such as the Consortium of Prosecco DOC, Grana Padano, Comité Champagne and Scotch Whiskey Association.

Targets and New Protection Tools

The workshop provided an opportunity to enhance the synergy between the public and private sectors to take stock of the recent reform of GI regulations and improve supervision and control activities.

In this context, the Consortium held a training seminar aimed at the various authorities that, at an international level, deal with agri-food safety, providing the tools to recognise authentic Prosecco DOC and explaining the most common cases of infringement affecting the Denomination.

Among the various presentations, EUIPO announced the implementation of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Portal (IPEP), which will enable authorities to recognise original products from counterfeit goods and to contact rights holders and take action.

These meetings are a milestone towards better protection and awareness of Geographical Indications. By strengthening cooperation between all the actors involved, it will be possible to increase the valorisation of authentic products such as Prosecco DOC, obtained thanks to the daily work of the supply chains in full compliance with the production specifications.

Prosecco DOC and Granda Padano at Regent’s Park from 12 to 16 June 2024

 

Summer for Prosecco DOC is anything but a holiday! The Consorzio di Tutela has in fact planned several initiatives to celebrate the beloved bubbles around the world, including Prosecco Month in Canada and Japan, Prosecco Week in China, the United States and the United Kingdom, and Prosecco Summer Vibes in Germany, offering various activities ranging from tastings to conferences, from meetings to parties.

Among the proposals at the beginning of summer, Taste of London stands out in particular, the most important stage of the Taste Festivals, an international format of food and wine events involving 19 cities around the world. Right now, from 12 to 16 June 2024, Regent’s Park is hosting this exhibition, an unmissable occasion for lovers of good food and wine, bringing together some of the world’s best chefs and sommeliers.

Once again this year Prosecco DOC, through Next Generation Pro, and Grana Padano DOP are presenting themselves together at the summer event with the aim of offering their visitors a special moment under the banner of the Italian way of life.

The programme

The programme is rich and varied: it includes tastings, shows and moments of entertainment, guaranteeing an enjoyable and engaging experience for all participants.

Neil Phillips – The Wine Tipster, wine expert, presenter and journalist – is the presenter of the Tasting Sessions, during which it is possible to taste the two flagship products of Made in Italy in their various expressions; while Danilo Cortellini – renowned Italian chef, Head Chef of the Italian Embassy in London – proposes a series of show-cooking events delighting the audience with his innovative recipes based on Grana Padano DOP and Prosecco DOC.

Special guests include Angelo Coassin, known as CookingWithBello, and Francesco Mattana of OurCookingJourney.

In addition, the Taste of London programme includes a number of events dedicated to buyers and sommeliers. These meetings offer an in-depth product experience, allowing industry professionals to discover and appreciate the gastronomic excellence present at the festival.

Tasting Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé from the companies:

Borgo delle Rose, Fantinel, Perlino, Ponte 1948, Torresella, Tosti1820, Villa Sandi.

Taste of London 2024 is a not-to-be-missed event, where anyone can immerse themselves in the different culinary cultures of the world: Prosecco DOC and Grana Padano DOP bring visitors to discover the Italian tradition, offering the quality and emotions that characterise the tables of the Bel Paese every day.

During the Prosecco Week – The Italian Sparkling Art of Living in the first week of June, Hong Kong’s restaurants open their doors to Prosecco DOC.

In partnership with Meiburg Wine Media, many locations of the city offer special promotions to their guests.

Participating restaurants:

The luxurious setting of the Sheraton Hotel in London played host to the long-awaited Glass of Bubbly Sustainability Summit, a major event in the wine industry and media calendar, a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations in the world of Sparkling Wine.

The event was proposed by Glass Of Bubbly, one of the most important online resources for news and information on sparkling wines, which contributes to highlighting the territories, producers and all the aromas and flavours on the planet.

Prosecco DOC this year joined the organisation with The Glass of Bubbly Sustainability Sparkling Wine Summit presented by Prosecco DOC, to fuel the discussion on sustainability in the sparkling wine sector with important partners such as Slowfood UK and Sustainable Wine Roundtable.

The event was moderated by Neil Phillips, Brand Ambassador of Prosecco DOC in the UK: a highly competent professional who, with over thirty years of experience in the wine and equestrian sectors, is able to make these worlds accessible to experts and novices alike.

Neil conducted two masterclasses dedicated to Veneto-Friuli bubbles, delving into the characteristics of the Denomination and always keeping the theme of sustainability at the centre.

The conference concluded with the Walk Around Tasting, during which producers had the opportunity to have their wines tasted by a selected audience of sector operators, importers and members of the press, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and potential commercial developments.

Participating companies: Ombre Wine; La Gioiosa; Fantinel; Paladin; Perlage Winery; Torresella.

So, the Glass of Bubbly Sustainability Summit was a highly relevant event for the sector, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability and offering valuable insights for a more prosperous and conscious future.

Milan Design Week has always been an incredible opportunity to dive into the universe of creativity, combined with a stimulating reflection on fundamental themes such as sustainability, inclusion and innovation.

In this context, the Consortium of Prosecco DOC proposed a truly unique event: a ‘blind’ tasting conducted by the renowned entrepreneur Hoby Wedler in collaboration with Emotitech, which allowed people to discover Prosecco DOC in a totally new way.

Dr Hoby Wedler is an American chemist specialised in the science of sensory perception. With a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry, he leads innovative product development in the agri-food sector and coordinates multi-sensory immersive experiences such as his Tasting in the Dark format. Blind since birth, he has been widely recognised for his efforts in the field of inclusion, he was named among the Champions of Change by President Barack Obama and included by ‘Forbes’ in the ‘30 under 30’.

Emotitech, a design studio based in California and Italy, designed the multisensory kit that accompanied the tasting. The kit offered six containers, divided into touch and smelling elements, wrapped within an elegant and functional case. The materials, including mulberry silk for the darkening mask and bioresin for the cases, were chosen on the basis of their ability to evoke the characteristics of Prosecco DOC.

Tasting in The Dark is an exciting journey that aims to challenge individuals’ perceptions, leading them to discover the world of tastes and smells without the aid of sight. Dr Wedler demonstrated how the absence of one of the traditionally predominant senses can amplify sensory experiences, making every detail more vivid and intense.

The event showed the power that comes from merging Science, Design and Technology to create an engaging and memorable moment.