A positive balance sheet and optimism for the future. This is what emerged from the Annual General Meeting of the Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. A key event to take stock of the sector’s results, activities, and prospects. The meeting was divided into a private session for members and a public section dedicated to scientific and economic insights, with the participation of member companies, institutions, and the academic world.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW AND CONSORTIUM ACTIVITIES
President Cesare Mazzetti opened the private session with an update on the sector’s performance and the Consortium’s activities. “Despite the fact that our product exports about 25% of its volume to the US market, exposing operators to the serious crisis triggered by Trump’s tariffs and the devaluation of the dollar, the year-end results show good global resilience, with a very slight decline in certified production. Certainly, increased promotional efforts have contributed to this result and justify an even greater commitment in the years to come,” Mazzetti stated.
During the assembly, a detailed update on ongoing activities was also presented, with particular attention to new digitalization tools for consortium processes.
RESEARCH AND PROTECTION OF THE APPELLATION
This was followed by a presentation from Professor Caterina Durante of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, who illustrated the progress of research and development activities conducted alongside the Consortium. The studies are aimed at protecting authenticity and enhancing the appellation, with expected impacts on production processes and the positioning of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI.
MARKET ANALYSIS AND TERRITORIAL IDENTITY
The public session opened with institutional greetings from Andrea Bartolamasi, councilor for the Municipality of Modena, who reaffirmed the support of local institutions. This was followed by presentations from two professors from the University of Parma. Professor Andrea Lasagni presented the report “Macroeconomic analysis of the main European and international markets,” focusing on global trends, consumption dynamics, and factors affecting the competitiveness of the Italian agrifood sector.
Next, Professor Stefano Magagnoli, with “The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena phenomenon: why specifically in Modena?“, offered a historical-cultural insight into the roots and uniqueness of Modena’s production heritage.
THE QUALIVITA FORUM AND THE DIALOGUE WITH EUROPE
The following weekend, the Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena participated in the Qualivita Forum in Siena, one of the leading European events dedicated to agrifood quality. On this occasion, the European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen reaffirmed the strategic role of Geographical Indications, stating: “GIs are a pillar of European excellence, and we must strengthen their value and recognition. The new 2027 Action Plan aims to support exports, improve promotion, and increase consumer awareness of certifications.”
The initiative coincided with the institutional meeting on Saturday, December 7, between Commissioner Hansen, the Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Consortium, and the Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. On that occasion, the Director of the Consortium, Federico Desimoni, spoke with Hansen and Regional Councilor Stefano Bonaccini on issues of protection, international promotion, and the role of certified supply chains, bringing attention back to the importance of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI within the Geographical Indications system.
