On the global scene, Prosecco DOC is confirmed not only as one of the symbols of Italian excellence, but also as a product of great commercial appeal. However, its fame often makes it the subject of violations that threaten the quality and reputation of Veneto-Friuli bubbles.

The Strategy

Having already extended the protection of the Prosecco DOC appellation to over 80 countries, the Consortium decided to ensure protection in the countries that attract tourists from the major export markets.

It was therefore deemed necessary to protect the Denomination in the Philippines as well, given the potential growth of alcoholic products analysed in recent market studies. Nevertheless, this positive development could lead to an increase in products that unduly exploit the reputation of the Denomination.

In September 2023, the Consortium obtained official recognition of the ‘Prosecco’ Geographical Indication in the Philippines: less than a year after this registration, protection has already been put into practice, confirming the effectiveness of the path undertaken.

The fact

Thanks to online monitoring, the sale on a Philippine e-commerce site of a wine called ‘Prosecco’ produced in Australia was detected. This discovery led the Consortium to warn the importer, who promptly withdrew the product from the market. But that’s not all: the success was further consolidated by the declaration of the Australian producer, who confirmed that the wine would no longer be distributed throughout the Philippines.

The result

This result takes on an even more relevant value if we consider the knots opened against Australia on the subject of the protection of the Prosecco Denomination which, at the moment, is conditioned by the outcome of the negotiations of the free trade agreement with the European Union, within which the protection of a list of European denominations will be established, including, precisely, the Prosecco DOC.

The Philippine case shows that the protection of Geographical Indications is not just a matter of principle, but a concrete tool to defend local producers and guarantee consumers the authenticity of the products they buy.

 

Wishing good luck to the Mascots of Milano Cortina 2026, who boarded the Maxi Yacht on the eve of Barcolana

October was an extraordinary month for the Prosecco DOC Shockwave3. The team won a prestigious second place at the Barcolana – an event in which the Consortium is Gold Sponsor and Official Sparkling Wine – and dominated the lagoon scene by taking the top step of the podium at both the Venice Hospitality Challenge and the Veleziana.

 

Tina and Milo, Official Mascots of Milan Cortina 2026

Talismans of these successes were the two affable official Mascots of Milano Cortina 2026, Tina and Milo, who spent Saturday 12 October sailing on the Prosecco DOC Shockwave3, and then entertained the public in Piazza Unità d’Italia with their friendliness and liveliness.
As part of the Italy of the Games programme, the Organising Committee of the upcoming Winter Games, of which Prosecco Doc is Sparkling Wine Sponsor, brought the Olympic and Paralympic values of the two Mascots to Trieste.

 

Stars on board

On board the Maxi Yacht were also stars of the sporting world, such as Marina Lubian, gold medallist for volleyball at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, and Matteo Parenzan, Paralympic gold medallist in table tennis. Moreover, in continuity with the previous editions, this year Prosecco DOC also joined the ‘Sailing without Barriers’ project on board the Prosecco DOC Flying Dragon, a boat driven by extraordinary parathletes. Among them were Davide Di Maria, world champion of the Paralympic class, and Flavio Gaudiello, paracyclist of Obiettivo3, a project founded by Alex Zanardi.

Lubian e Mascotte

The Races

Barcolana

The Maxi Prosecco DOC Shockwave3, skippered by Mitja Kosmina, took second place after an extraordinary start and a head-to-head race with Woodpecker, arriving at the finish line just over two minutes behind rival Arca.

Venice Hospitality Challenge

The victory of the Venice Hospitality Challenge – the only regatta that takes place in the inner waters of a city – was celebrated with Prosecco DOC bubbles, thanks to the new partnership created with Yacht Club Venezia, organiser of the regatta that matches boats with Venice’s great luxury hotels. After the toast on the quay at the Zattere, the celebrations continued at the Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Veleziana

On 20 October, the Super Maxi 90 Prosecco DOC Shockwave3 succeeded in defending the title it won in 2021, 2022 and 2023 at the Veleziana, now in its 16th edition, the only sailing event in the world that allows racers to arrive in St. Mark’s Basin with their sails unfurled.

The Consortium invites producers to participate in the Aperioperatori event, where the following topic will be discussed

 

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF PROSECCO DOC IN THE GDO CHANNEL.

 

The event will take place on 30 October 2024 at 5.00 p.m. at the Consortium’s headquarters (via Calmaggiore, 23 – Treviso).

Please note that places are limited, so please register in advance by writing to ricerca@consorzioprosecco.it.

For further details, please see the poster below.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Locandina Aperioperatori 30.10.24-PDF

The Consortium for the Protection of Prosecco DOC, in the light of the first data, is satisfied with this first 2024 harvest balance, which sees a good quantitative and qualitative level of the grapes, consistent with the peculiarities defined by the production regulations. This year’s was by no means an easy vintage from a climatic point of view, but thanks to the expertise of the operators, it was possible to achieve what looks like an excellent result. As indicated, in the entire area of the appellation, three different periods were recorded in terms of weather conditions:

 

The first

The first, from April to early July, was characterized by frequent and abundant rainfall, even with temperatures below normal, which allowed adequate development of the leaf wall. Thanks to the presence of storm windows characterized by good weather, particularly during the phenological stages of flowering and fruit set, the production load was also able to develop properly.

The second

The second, between July and August, was characterized by modest rainfall (in areas with greater skeleton presence, in fact, irrigation was necessary) and, above all, by high maximum temperatures, even above 35°C. In order to safeguard the quality of the grapes, compared to the past where defoliation operations were also carried out, operators adopted special precautions for the management of the leaf wall, avoiding the “sunburn” of the grapes.

 

The third

The third, in September, was characterized by the sudden drop in temperatures and abundant rainfall.

 

With the final stage of maturation, September is the month in which the quality of future wine production is determined. As for 2024, climatic conditions were good, as the “technological maturity” for obtaining quality sparkling wines was reached in the middle two weeks of the month, where temperatures had already dropped, thus allowing the preservation of the aromatic profile and transport to the winery of grapes at suitable temperatures, so also a reduction in costs and energy consumption for cooling the product. In addition, time windows with sunny days presented themselves, allowing the harvest to be properly organized; in fact, the productions presented an excellent sanitary quality, which is fundamental for obtaining sparkling wines, as subsequent processing would amplify the possible presence of defects.

Evaluation of the first vinified productions

From the evaluation of the first vinified productions, it is found that, thanks to the excellent sanitary condition of the grapes and the above-mentioned September climatic conditions, the base wine suitable to become Prosecco DOC presents an elegant sensory profile of floral scents with a delicate intensity that will be amplified on the nose, in the coming months through refermentation, with perlage.

From the taste point of view, considering the moderate alcohol content (8.5-9.0% vol.) and the good presence of acidity, although put to the test by the hot days of August, to date the sparkling bases appear slender and savory. Considering, however, that after the vinification will begin the aging in steel – often with the presence of the noble residues of yeast – and taking into account that the sparkling gives the product creaminess, freshness and balance, we expect that producers and consumers can be satisfied with the campaign just ended, with an organoleptic sensory quality consistent with that which determined the success of Prosecco in the market.

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.