On March 20, 2025, the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) convened its General Assembly in Brussels, marking a significant moment for the European wine industry.
During the assembly, the organization elected a new Board of Administrators, ushering in a fresh leadership team tasked with guiding the sector through an evolving economic and regulatory landscape.
New Leadership for CEEV
The highlight of the meeting was the appointment of Marzia Varvaglione from the Unione Italiana Vini (Italy) as the new President for a three-year term. She succeeds Mauricio González-Gordon, who had led the organization with a strong focus on international trade and policy advocacy.
Varvaglione, a respected figure in the Italian and European wine industries, pledged to navigate the sector through turbulent times with a commitment to unity and resilience. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among industry stakeholders to safeguard the sector’s economic and cultural significance.
Other key appointments included:
- Pedro Pereira Gonçalves (Associação de Vinhos e Espirituosas de Portugal) as Vice-President
- Jérôme Perchet (Fédération Française des Vins d’Apéritif) as Treasurer
Additionally, the board welcomed members representing key European wine-producing nations:
- Pedro Ferrer (Federación Española del Vino)
- Piero Mastroberardino (FEDERVINI)
- Michel Chapoutier (Union des Maisons et Marques de Vins)
- José Ramón Fernández (Groupe de Liaison des Entreprises Vinicoles Européennes)
Outgoing President González-Gordon reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude to the CEEV team and its members. He welcomed Varvaglione’s leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to champion the interests of European wine producers.
CEEV Welcomes the European Vinegar Association
Beyond leadership changes, the General Assembly also marked a significant expansion of CEEV’s membership. The European Vinegar Association officially joined the organization, signaling a broader industry collaboration.
Valery Brabant, President of the European Vinegar Association, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the shared interests between the wine and vinegar sectors—from sustainability efforts to EU regulatory policies. Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, CEEV’s Secretary General, echoed this sentiment, noting that the inclusion of the vinegar sector aligns with CEEV’s strategy of strengthening cross-industry cooperation.
Strategic Vision for the Wine Industry
The European wine industry faces numerous challenges, including:
- Market fluctuations and shifting consumer trends
- Evolving EU regulations affecting production and trade
- Climate change impacts on viticulture
- Geopolitical tensions influencing international trade agreements
The new leadership and expanded membership reflect CEEV’s proactive approach to addressing these issues. By uniting key industry players and advocating for policies that support both the wine and vinegar sectors, CEEV aims to reinforce the industry's global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for CEEV?
Under Varvaglione’s leadership, the organization is expected to focus on:
- Strengthening trade relationships and ensuring fair market access
- Advocating for sustainable production practices across Europe
- Expanding collaborative initiatives between wine and related sectors
- Ensuring that wine remains a cultural and economic pillar of the EU
As CEEV enters this new chapter, the wine industry will be watching closely to see how Varvaglione and her team address pressing challenges and leverage new opportunities. With a renewed focus on unity, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the organization is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of European wine.
Source: CEEV