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The Consortium of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP demands a uniform regulation across Europe for the use of the term "Balsamic Vinegar". According to the Consortium, stricter requirements could increase the production of the protected Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP by up to 30 percent, thereby creating additional sales opportunities for Italian grapes, must, and wine.
According to the Consortium, more than 250,000 tons of grapes and 50 to 60 million liters of wine are needed annually for the production of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP. The product is already a significant sales channel for the Italian wine industry, which is seeking new utilization opportunities in light of declining wine consumption and difficult market conditions.
Consortium President Cesare Mazzetti pointed out that the Consortium is working together with wineries and institutions – including the Emilia-Romagna region – on agreements to further expand the use of Italian wine and must in Balsamic production.
The Consortium identifies the inconsistent legal situation in Europe as an obstacle to further growth. In several EU member states, products can be marketed under the designation "Balsamic Vinegar" even though they do not meet the specifications of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP. The term "Balsamic Vinegar" is also used in the USA without specific legal requirements. According to the Consortium, this leads to competitive disadvantages for the protected product and uncertainty among consumers.
Together with the Federvini Association and the European Vinegar Association (EVA), the Consortium therefore supports an amendment currently being discussed in the European Parliament. This amendment stipulates that the designation "vinegar" should in the future be fundamentally linked to the indication of the raw materials used or a protected geographical indication. According to the Consortium, the goal is uniform regulations within the European Union and better protection of protected designations of origin.
(ru – Image: Consortium Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP)
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