Sustainability Takes Center Stage at ProWein 2024: Food & Beverage Magazine
International initiatives:
- International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA)
- Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR)
- Future-proof wines
- Organic wine associations & special show Organic World
Sustainability has been one of the main topics at ProWein for many years. At ProWein 2024 (March 10 – 12, 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany), this important theme will be even more prominent, reflecting one of the key market trends. First and foremost are the internationally active associations and initiatives such as Bioland, Demeter, Ecovin, Fair’n Green, Respekt Biodyn and Vignerons de Nature. Also the Organic World in Hall 4 (A23 – A30). For years these associations and their members have participated in ProWein, strongly driving the issue of sustainability.
Premiere for “International Wineries for Climate Action”
Two leading international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also take part in ProWein 2024. “International Wineries for Climate Action” (IWCA) will be represented for the first time at ProWein. IWCA is an alliance of nearly 50 leading wine producing companies and 139 Wineries from all over the world; its co-founders are the Torres Family (Spain) and Jackson Family Wines (California, USA). The central goal of the NGO, which was founded in 2019, is the reduction of carbon emissions and development of a global decarbonization standard IWCA certification is already recognized worldwide and makes an important contribution to reducing emissions. What’s more: as the first representative of the wine and agriculture industry, IWCA supports “Race to Zero” – a global campaign initiated by the United Nations to encourage companies, cities, regions and investors to commit to a healthy, resilient and carbon-free upswing, to create decent jobs and to allow integrative, sustainable growth. “We are very proud to be able to support this very important industry initiative as a partner and friend thereby making our contribution to the decarbonization of the wine sector,” commented Peter Schmitz, Director of ProWein, about this cooperation. The central theme will of course be decarbonization – practically demonstrated in the form of a tasting of international wines that meet the IWCA standard. A range of top, low-emission wines from IWCA member across the globe will be available for tasting throughout Prowein 2024 as well as an engaging program of discussion groups designed to explain crucial aspects such as regenerative viticulture and creating emission reduction road maps for individual wineries. Charlotte Hey, Executive Director of IWCA, stated” “IWCAs presence at Prowein 2024 is a great step forward for our organization and we are delighted to be working with the trade fair build awareness around our certification and the wine industry’s need to work together to reduce its carbon emissions towards Net Zero.”
“Sustainable Wine Roundtable”: focusing on the entire value chain
The second NGO taking part in ProWein 2024 will be the “Sustainable Wine Roundtable” (SWR), featured at ProWein for the second time. Established two years ago, SWR now has over 70 members from all over the world, covering the entire value chain from production and distribution & wholesale/retail to logistics and research – which is the unique selling point of this USP. One of its central goals is the development of common measures in areas such as vineyard chemistry, labor standards, packaging and bottle weight as well as low-emission logistics – and the development of international standards. SWR will be exhibiting at the VDP stand in Hall 1 at ProWein. 2024.
PIWI – future-proof vines
Fungal infestation is and remains one of the biggest challenges in organic wine growing. Therefore, wine producers all over Europe have started experimenting with “PIWI”, fungus-resistant grape varieties. Some wines from these grape varieties have been available for some time, but it is only now that they are being marketed on a larger scale. A good example of commercial marketing is the initiative ZUKUNFSTWEINE (future-proof wines) founded in 2021, a small team led by founders Eva Vollmer and Hanneke Schönhals. Today, the initiative has 60 members. They focus on revolutionizing the world of wine/vines, inspiring consumers with the benefits of sustainable grape varieties and to act sustainably – in a nutshell: future wines made from sustainable or fungus-resistant grape varieties. They robustly resist the whims of nature, saving many tractor rides – and therefore CO2 – in vineyards. Soils are less compacted, staying fertile and alive. The initiative, which was awarded the German Sustainability Award this year, will present itself for the second time at ProWein, at the Wein+Markt stand (Hall 4 – C60).
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For further information on visiting or exhibiting at ProWein 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.prowein.com
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