Forum to tackle global drink maker concerns

Wines reforms and their wider global impact, customs regulations, nutrition labelling and responsible marketing and retailing will all be up for discussion at the association's 2008 Spring Meeting. The trade association says that the meeting taking place in Florence, Italy from today until Saturday, will aim to ensure that processors can stay up to speed with the continually shifting regulations on these topics. "The global alcohol beverage industry is in a permanent state of flux. National and international institutions are continually creating and changing rules that affect the trade in alcohol beverages,"​ stated the FIVS. "This conference brings together key players who are shaping our world and who will provide views and insights on key regulatory and social issues."​ Itinerary ​ During the first day of the show, the morning session will be focused on how wine producers both in the bloc itself, and in the so-called new world region, New Zealand, Australia and the US, can adapt to EU wine reform. The remainder of the day will be used to address current plans on cutting global alcohol abuse, particularly in regards to the latest strategy adopted back in May at the World Health Assembly, the organisers said. Findings from the events will then be used by the FIVS to better help its member to meet their social responsibility in this area, according to the association. Sustainability ​ The opening session during the second day of talks will look at how wine manufacturers are adopting to the need for cutting the environmental impact of their operations, especially in wine production. The FIVS says it has already developed its "Global Wine Sector Environmental Sustainability Principles" (GWSESP) to help drive this focus. Nutrition ​ Other key discussions taking place during the day include the best ways forward in terms of supplying production, nutrition and serving information on drinks labels as defined by Codex committee on nutrition. The forum's final day will include a general assembly for FIVS members, followed by a tour of the Chianti wine region, which is open to all attendees.