CEEV elects new president and expands membership to include vinegar sector

On March 20, 2025, the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) held its General Assembly in Brussels, where they elected a new Board of Administrators. This election included the appointment of a new President for a three-year term. Marzia Varvaglione from the Unione Italiana Vini in Italy was elected as the new President. The Vice-President position went to Pedro Pereira Gonçalves from the Associação de Vinhos e Espirituosas de Portugal. Jérôme Perchet from the Fédération Française des Vins d’Apéritif was chosen as Treasurer. Other board members include Pedro Ferrer from the Federación Española del Vino, Piero Mastroberardino from FEDERVINI, Michel Chapoutier from the Union des Maisons et Marques de Vins, and José Ramón Fernández from the Groupe de Liaison des Entreprises Vinicoles Européennes.

Marzia Varvaglione takes over from Mauricio González-Gordon. She expressed her commitment to leading the wine sector through challenging times. She emphasized the importance of unity within the sector to overcome difficulties. González-Gordon, at the end of his term, acknowledged the support of the CEEV team and members. He welcomed Varvaglione's appointment, confident she would invigorate the defense of wine as a crucial cultural and economic element.

The meeting also marked the inclusion of a new member, the European Vinegar Association, into CEEV. Valery Brabant, President of the European Vinegar Association, expressed delight at joining CEEV. He highlighted the association's aim to contribute to EU policies that benefit consumers and the wine and vinegar sectors. Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV, welcomed the vinegar sector, noting shared characteristics with the wine industry. He thanked González-Gordon for his service and expressed confidence in the future under Varvaglione's leadership.

The inclusion of the European Vinegar Association signifies a broadening of CEEV's scope. This move aligns with CEEV's strategy to strengthen its influence in shaping policies that impact the wine and related sectors. The collaboration aims to address common challenges and leverage shared interests to benefit both industries.

The General Assembly's decisions reflect a strategic approach to navigating the complexities facing the wine industry. By electing a diverse board and welcoming new members, CEEV aims to enhance its capacity to advocate for the sector. The leadership change comes at a time when the wine industry faces significant challenges, including market fluctuations and regulatory changes.

Varvaglione's presidency is expected to focus on uniting the sector and addressing these challenges. Her leadership will likely emphasize collaboration and innovation to ensure the industry's resilience and growth. The new board's composition reflects a balance of experience and fresh perspectives, which could prove crucial in steering the sector through uncertain times.

The integration of the vinegar sector into CEEV highlights the interconnectedness of the wine and vinegar industries. Both sectors share common interests in areas such as sustainability, quality standards, and market access. By working together, they can strengthen their collective voice in policy discussions and enhance their competitiveness in global markets.

The General Assembly's outcomes underscore CEEV's commitment to representing the interests of its members effectively. The organization aims to provide a platform for collaboration and advocacy, ensuring that the wine and related sectors can thrive in a rapidly changing environment. The new leadership and expanded membership are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.

As the wine industry navigates a complex landscape, CEEV's strategic initiatives will be crucial in shaping its future. The organization's efforts to foster collaboration and innovation will be key to addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With a renewed focus on unity and shared goals, CEEV is poised to lead the sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.