WINE IN MODERATION – ART DE VIVRE
- Date de publication: 07/12/2011
- Auteur: admin
WINE IN MODERATION – ART DE VIVRE TAKES STOCK AND RENEWS COMMITMENT TO TACKLE ALCOHOL-RELATED HARM AND ENHANCE EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE.
The European Wine Sector celebrates the renewal of the successful Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre Program with launch of WIM Aisbl, a Non for Profit Organisation, founded by the European wine sector to coordinate future implementation of the WIM Programme
Ms Paola Testori Coggi, Director General at the European Commission´s Directorate General for Health and Consumer policy (DG SANCO,), praised success of WIM contributing to inform and educate European citizens on appropriate consumption patterns, which is one of the objectives of the EU Alcohol Strategy, and urged the industry to further scale up effective action against the harmful use of alcohol.
On November 24, three years after the launch of the Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre (WIM) programme, senior representatives from the EU Commission, national & regional constituencies of the wine sector, wine value chain and many other stakeholders of the EU, assembled to review the accomplishments and success stories of the WIM programme implementation at national and European level, and to present the next steps forward, building on the success achieved so far.
In her opening speech, DG SANCO Director General, Ms. Paola Testori Coggi, highlighted the importance of the WIM programme as a voluntary initiative by the wine industry to achieve the objective of the EU Alcohol & Health Policy.
“I would like to pay a tribute to the wine sector, ….you contribute to the promotion of European food and drink heritage. In fact you are part of the European cultural heritage…” stated Ms. Testori, and continued “but we need to make sure that the cost of alcohol-related harm which is caused by the abuse of alcohol does not hamper economic performance …. it is crucial to understand how we can best work together to change certain harmful alcohol consumption patterns and to reverse the trends which bring alcohol-related harm, and this is the overall objective that all the members of the European Alcohol and Health Forum are committing to.”
Recalling that the European Alcohol and Health Forum, which is part of the wider EU Alcohol and Health strategy, still has a full year of work ahead, Ms Testori underlined that “we need to show the real impact in the areas where the member of the forum can best contribute and I am pleased to see that promoting responsible commercial communication is among the key Objectives of the Wine in Moderation program”. Ms Testori continued “I am also pleased to see that the WIM program aims to reinforce consumer information activities across many stakeholders and goes beyond the wine producers. We hope to see the WIM logo presented in society on bottles , in restaurants, in retail, in media and where the problem maybe found and where its existence make a difference.”
Ms. Testori, in concluding, praised the Wine in Moderation Programme “as a great success because it demonstrates that the entire industry is ready to take certain responsibilities and I am looking forward to a continuous cooperation with you ".
Mr. Lamberto V. Gancia, President of CEEV- Comite Vins, the leading stakeholder in WIM, expressed his appreciation of DG SANCO´s approach and confirmed a strong commitment to further increase actions which secure and enhance the central place of wine at the heart of European cultural and culinary heritage. Mr. Gancia stated that “CEEV aims to support joint efforts and follow up with the EU Alcohol and Health Policy in changing harmful alcohol consumption patterns to reverse the trends which cause alcohol-related harm” and in closing “Everything that is linked to education is the secret to success and the wine sector is committed to WIM."
The way forward for the WIM commitment and the presentation of the new WIM Aisbl, founded by the European wine sector to coordinate the European and international implementation of the WIM Programme, was presented by George Sandeman, President of WIM Aisbl, who stated. “While the achievements to date are important they are just the first steps. With the creation of the European Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre umbrella association and with the support of the national constituencies, our actions will grow over the coming years, spreading our message of Art de Vivre to more people each year and make moderation a culture and responsibility a trend”.
About Wine in Moderation – Art De Vivre
The Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre Aisbl (´WIM Aisbl´) is the Non For Profit Organisation founded by the European wine sector to coordinate the European and international implementation of the Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre Programme (“WIM programme”).
The WIM programme is the measurable commitment of the whole wine business community to promote moderation and responsibility in the consumption of wines. Building on the values of the Wine Culture, WIM brings an effective and specific contribution to the reduction of alcohol-related harm, founded on science-based information, broad-based education and sector self-regulation.
The programme represents the wine sector´s contribution to the European Commission´s Alcohol and Health Forum within the framework of the EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol related harm.
For More information
Please go to: www.wineinmoderation.eu, www.wineinformationcouncil.eu
Or contact:
Stylianos Filopoulos, Director
Wine in Moderation - Art de Vivre (WIM) Aisbl
Avenue des Arts, 43 - B-1040 Bruxelles
[email protected]
T +32 (0)2 230 99 70
F +32 (0)2 513 02 18
Additional Information
* The participants to the conference had the opportunity to learn more about the WIM programme and the great achievements that the EU wine sector united has accomplished.
The Italian Wine Union (UIV), the German Wine Academy (DWA), the Spanish Wine Federation, and Vin & Société (France), respectively presented examples of WIM National actions on educational activities (Art de Vivre Education), dissemination of unbiased and objective scientific-based information (Wine Information Council), implementation of self-regulation standards in communication (Wine Communication Standard) and adoption of the Wine in Moderation Message in the local context.
** DG SANCO Director General, Ms. Paola Testori, in her opening speech said:
“I would like to pay a tribute to the wine sector, as a contributor to the European Economies. Even more, you are an important part of EU agri-food industry and you contribute to the success of EU export in many parts of the world. It is not only a question of financial advantages, you contribute to the promotion of European food and drink heritage. In fact you are part of the European cultural heritage and you promote this to the world” she stated and continued “but we need to make sure that the cost of alcohol-related harm which is caused by the abuse of alcohol does not hamper economic performance and the recovery and success of our economy.
So it is crucial to understand how we can best work together to change certain harmful alcohol consumption patterns and to reverse the trends which bring alcohol-related harm, and this is the overall objective that all the members of the European Alcohol and Health Forum are committing to.”
Ms. Testori, in her conclusion, praised the Wine in Moderation Program “as a great success because it demonstrates that the entire industry is ready to take certain responsibilities and I am looking forward to a continuous cooperation with you ".
