LA RIOJANA ATTENDS FMCV PRE-FORUM IN URUGUAY

In preparation for the World Forum of Wine Co-operatives (FMCV), due to be hosted by La Riojana Co-operative in October later this year, we attended the Pre-Forum event held in Canelones, Uruguay on 25 – 27 April 2023. 

The event itself attracted presidents and managers from wine co-operatives from across Europe and South America, as well as technicians, scientists and public officials from Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina and Italy. All of whom came together to debate the main challenges faced by the wine industry. 

Alfredo Capece, President of the FMCV and La Riojana Co-operative, opened the event stating that wine co-operatives produce 60% of the world’s grapes and yet are only marketing 12% with their own brands. He went on to say that one of the greatest challenges faced by the co-operatives is giving added value to the raw material so that it can return a better income to the producers. 

Pau Roca, Managing Director for OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine) addressed the Pre-Forum, via a letter, stating that the voice of the co-operatives must be heard more clearly within the wine industry. 

Running alongside this same event, a Youth Pre-Forum was also held, where proposals included a fundamental change in the approach to marketing within the wine industry, orientating it more towards the consumer, incorporating alternative options for consuming wine, lower alcohol wines, ecological packaging and flexible volumes.

The World Forum of Wine Co-operatives (FMCV), due to be hosted by La Riojana, will take place in Chilecito, Argentina on 5 – 7 October 2023. 

The FMCV is made up of Cevipe, Vinadeis, Baco, Bodega Cuatro Rayas, Gruppo Caviro, Manjavacas, Bodegas Martin Códax, Adega Vila Real, Adega Ponto da Barḉa for Europe; and Capel, Fecovita, La Riojana, Establecimientos Vicca, Vinícola Aurora, Garibaldi, São João, Nova Alianca, Pradense for South America; and CCW Co-operative for Oceania.