Italian Producers Highlight Moderation and Culture in Push for Responsible Drinking at Milan Conference

A conference focused on responsible alcohol consumption took place in Milan, organized by the Invernizzi Foundation. The event, titled “Bere di gusto, bere il giusto” (“Drink with Taste, Drink Right”), brought together experts from different fields to discuss how to encourage a more conscious approach to drinking. Giacomo Ponti, president of Federvini, represented Italian wine and spirits producers at the gathering. He emphasized that responsibility, moderation, and quality are central to the Italian lifestyle and to the country’s approach to alcoholic beverages.

Ponti explained that Federvini has been working for years to support a culture of responsible drinking. Since 2022, the organization has run a project called “Comunicare il consumo responsabile” in partnership with Italian universities. The initiative aims to spread the message of moderation among young adults. According to Ponti, for producers, responsibility is an essential part of promoting quality drinking habits.

During his speech, Ponti highlighted that appreciating Italian excellence also means adopting a mature attitude toward consumption. He said that drinking responsibly does not mean giving up enjoyment but rather making informed choices and integrating responsibility into the Mediterranean lifestyle. This way of life, he noted, is admired around the world for its conviviality and balance. Ponti expressed pride in bringing the perspective of Italian producers to such a high-level discussion and described the industry as a key partner in promoting balanced drinking habits.

The conference was moderated by journalist Fernanda Roggero and included contributions from academic and scientific experts. Professor Claudio Mencacci, president of the Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology, discussed medical and social aspects related to alcohol use and abuse. Professor Marino Niola, an anthropologist from Suor Orsola Benincasa University in Naples, explored the cultural and symbolic meaning of drinking in Italy. He described how sharing drinks has been part of Italian social identity since ancient times.

Throughout the day, speakers agreed on the importance of dialogue between producers, researchers, and cultural figures when addressing alcohol consumption. They argued that education and awareness are more effective than bans in encouraging responsible behavior.

Federvini’s participation at the event reinforced its commitment to promoting sustainable consumption models based on education, balance, and quality. The organization aims to help people appreciate Italian wines and spirits not only for their taste but also for their cultural values—conviviality, tradition, and moderation. The conference underscored the need for ongoing collaboration between industry leaders and experts to shape future attitudes toward alcohol in Italy and beyond.