Giacomo Ponti is the new president of Federvini. The appointment was made yesterday, during the General Assembly of the Italian reference organization of the main producers and importers of wines, liqueurs, spirits and vinegars. The new number one takes over from Micaela Pallini and will be supported by vice-presidents Aldo Davoli and Piero Mastroberardino. The governance of Federvini is completed with the confirmation of Albiera Antinori as president of the Wine Group and the appointments of Leonardo Vena as head of the Spirits Group and Sabrina Federzoni as head of the Aceti Group. In an international context marked by wars, geopolitical instability, commercial uncertainties and cultural challenges, the Italian wine, spirits and vinegar sector confirms itself as a pillar of the national agri-food sector, the numbers shared during the General Assembly highlighted: according to Nomisma data for the Federvini Observatory, in 2024 overall exports reached 10.5 billion euros, with a positive trade balance of 8.9 billion, strengthening Italian leadership on international markets. A 21.5 billion euro supply chain that includes a production network of over 40 thousand industrial companies, guaranteeing employment for over 81 thousand direct workers.
Who is Giacomo Ponti, the new president of Federvini, and the objectives of his mandate
Giacomo Ponti has been appointed new president of Federvini, taking over from Micaela Pallini. At the helm of the historic family business founded in 1787 in Ghemme, he represents the ninth generation of a company that is a symbol of Italian vinegar and preserve production. With his election, for the first time a representative of the vinegar sector takes on the presidency of the Federation, confirming the growing centrality of all the supply chains represented by Federvini. A choice that strengthens the link between entrepreneurial tradition and representation of Made in Italy agri-food.
“I accept this role with a sense of responsibility”, the first words of the new president Ponti, “in a complex historical phase, marked by strong international tensions and uncertainties. Federvini will continue to represent our companies with strength and competence, enhancing their quality, sustainability and economic centrality”.
“One of the priority objectives of my mandate is to strengthen the international competitiveness of our sector, protecting first and foremost the cultural value of all sectors, from wines to spirits to vinegars, which constitute an economic heritage of extraordinary prestige for our country”.
Giacomo Ponti takes over from Micaela Pallini, who leaves as follows:
“I leave the presidency with pride and gratitude for the work done in complex years, in which we have strengthened the role of our supply chains in Italy and Europe. We have defended the cultural and social value of our production model, supported competitiveness and promoted conscious consumption. My best wishes to Giacomo Ponti: he will be able to lead Federvini with vision and determination”.
Giacomo Ponti’s mandate opens with an international context marked by geopolitics in flames, duty alarm and competitiveness at risk.
“We need a strong and cohesive Europe – explains Ponti – that acts with determination to facilitate dialogue and avoid any escalation. Our companies cannot continue to unfairly suffer the uncertainty dictated by the strong geopolitical tensions that are intensifying in these hours. At this time it is essential that our government together with companies work in synergy to guarantee the growth of the supply chain by promoting stability and access to international markets for our production companies”.
During the Federvini General Assembly, the emphasis was also placed on the open challenges at European level in terms of Geographical Indications. Particular attention was paid to recent cases of improper use by some Member States.
The birth of the European Vinegar Association is just one of the concrete signs of a growing commitment to preside over the community tables and to forcefully protect the distinctiveness of the Italian supply chains.
“It is essential,” Ponti stressed, “that the European Union protects the authentic meaning of traditional products. It is crucial to establish a legal definition of vinegar at European level.”
A message that extends to the entire sector represented by Federvini, today called upon to reaffirm its role not only in economic terms, but also in cultural and strategic terms for the country.
“My goal,” Ponti concluded, “is clear: to create value. For businesses, for territories, for the Italian system. Economic value, but also reputational value. Federvini will be a strong and competent garrison for an Italy that produces, innovates and dialogues with the world, with pride and responsibility.”
