The conference of the International Federation of Wines and Spirits (FIVS) was dedicated to new challenges for the vitivinicultural sector, particularly in social and societal terms, and to their consideration by the companies.

It gave rise to many speeches from experts on social responsibility and environmental matters, as well as from institutional representatives.

Jean-Marie Aurand gave a presentation on the new challenges for the vitivinicultural sector and the OIV's strategy to accompany these developments.

He pointed out the growing globalisation of the vitivinicultural market on a worldwide scale and, within this context, the need to both improve the competitiveness of companies and meet the increasing expectations of consumers and citizens – with regard to the quality and diversity of products as well as environmental protection.

The OIV, through its technical and scientific expertise (brought by almost 1000 experts from the scientific community and also, to a considerable extent, from the professional sector), thanks to its procedure of taking decisions by consensus, and due to the fact that it is highly representative (with 46 producer and consumer Member Countries accounting for over 85% of world wine production and consumption), is at the centre of these concerns.

The standards and guidelines drawn up by the OIV in relation to the identification of vitivinicultural products, specifications of oenological practices, methods of analysis and labelling rules guarantee the quality, identity and longevity of different products while also contributing to the fairness of trade by minimising obstacles to commerce.

Finally, the Director General praised the quality of the relationship between the OIV and the FIVS, stressing the high level of involvement of industry representatives in the work of the Organisation and their very constructive contributions on all levels.

MEPs call on the European Commission to “immediately begin work on the new EU Alcohol Strategy (2016-2022)” in order to assist national governments in dealing with alcohol-related harm. The strategy should include collecting reliable data, improving prevention and treatment, reducing accidents caused by drink driving and analysing various drinking patterns, they say, in a resolution passed on Wednesday by a show of hands.

Label ingredients and calories

The European Commission should evaluate whether the requirement to provide consumers with information on ingredients and nutritional content should apply to alcoholic beverages, say MEPs.

The calorie content of alcoholic beverages should be clearly stated, and the Commission should table a legislative proposal to this end in 2016 at the latest, they add.

MEPs also call for the Commission to consider EU-wide labelling to warn pregnant women not to consume alcohol and to alert drinkers to the dangers of drink driving.

Protecting young people

MEPs urge EU member states to step up efforts to protect young people by strictly enforcing legislation on the drinking age limit, and recommend that they monitor the effects of alcohol advertising on young people and limit their exposure. Member states should also consider measures against the sale of very cheap alcohol, they add.

The European Commission should also tackle cross-border sales of alcohol via the internet, say MEPs. Member states are urged to run campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of binge drinking, especially for minors, and step up efforts to reduce road accidents related to drink driving, says the text.

MEPs Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest in education in order to stress the effects on health and society of harmful alcohol consumption while promoting moderation and responsibility in the consumption of alcoholic drinks.

The Ambassador recalled that Georgia, the heart of the Caucasus, is one of the cradles of global viticulture. Vines have been grown there for thousands of years, in ideal geological and climate conditions. The oldest seeds, found in various parts of the country, date back to at least 8000 BC and belong to the Vitis Vinifera species. Today, 525 native vine varieties are grown in Georgia.

The Director General of the OIV, Mr Jean-Marie Aurand, praised the second occurrence of this presentation and thanked Georgia for its considerable involvement in the OIV's activities since the World Congress in Tbilisi in 2010. Specifying that he was to travel to Georgia at the beginning of June, Mr Aurand emphasised the resurgence of Georgian wines. Small winegrowers, cooperatives and independent wineries rival one another in terms of quality.

Mr Giorgi Samanishvili, President of the Georgian National Wine Agency (GNWA), presented various aspects of the history and the challenges surrounding Georgian viticulture, insisting on the fact that wine represents a treasure, a part of the culture and an asset for Georgia. Vines can be found everywhere, and are deeply rooted in the daily lives of Georgian people, in poetry, painting and architecture.

This vine and wine culture is closely linked to the country's history. Careful attention has been paid to viticultural traditions, which have been passed down through the generations. Since December 2013, traditional winemaking in a Qvevri (a large clay jar) has been on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.

Gaumarjos, a toast to you in Georgian!