The days are hot, the evenings are balmy, so people like to get together for a glass of Prosecco. However, only in the rarest of cases will you find sparkling wine in your glass that actually deserves the name. Or better still, one that really deserves it. There are strict rules for the proper use of the term. The Italian Prosecco DAC Consortium, which is now actively taking action against counterfeiting, ensures that these rules are adhered to. An interview with the supreme „Prosecco president“.
Time and again, attempts are made to falsify the protected designation of origin „Prosecco DOC“ and thus jump on the bandwagon of success of the classic sparkling wine from north-east Italy. Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium explains in this interview how the protection consortium actively responds to attempts to counterfeit Prosecco DOC worldwide.
Question: What measures is the consortium taking against counterfeit Prosecco? Do you have a global action plan?
The consortium has developed various monitoring systems to check for violations at all levels worldwide. We take immediate action in the cases identified and reported by the controls: First and foremost, in the case of very clear offences, such as imitations, clear allusions or the use of the Prosecco DOC designation for wines that are not Prosecco. In cases that are more difficult to prove, investigations and additional enquiries are carried out. For example, we check whether the term Prosecco DOC has been used incorrectly on purpose.
The consortium works closely with the Italian and European authorities in the fight against counterfeiting, with the common goal of protecting the Prosecco DOC designation of origin. With the worldwide registration of the geographical indication for brands and designations, we have further extended the protection - so the term Prosecco DOC is protected in important markets such as Canada, Russia and the UK.
Question: How do you detect counterfeit products? Through tips from consumers or do you have official representatives who „track down“ counterfeits?
A large proportion of the information we receive on the subject of counterfeiting consists of reports from consumers and our members, such as bottlers.
To this end, the consortium has developed and introduced various control systems:
- Worldwide checks of trade mark registers for registered product names containing „Prosecco“ (or related terms)
- Checks in EU and non-EU countries in which Prosecco has a good market penetration or in which product designation offences have already been recorded
- Monitoring the domestic market
- Controls in e-commerce - Online trade
- USA: Control over COLA (Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval ) - authority
Question: What was the most curious case that was discovered?
The most unusual case was the so-called Prosecco APM (“Automatic Prosecco Machine“ - i.e. not real ATMs, as ATMs are called in English-speaking countries), i.e. a machine that allegedly dispensed Prosecco: a clear case of fraud. Similar are the numerous cases of alleged Prosecco bath salts, perfume, soaps, sweets, lipsticks etc. that we still find in markets such as the UK and Germany.
miten in the north and the Adriatic Sea in the south. (Photo: Prosecco DOC)
Question: How do consumers recognise a genuine Prosecco DOC?
Prosecco DOC may only be produced and sold in bottles. A government seal of control is affixed to the cap of each bottle, showing the sequential control number and the alphanumeric code: these enable the authorities of the Consortium to verify the origin and authenticity of each bottle on the market. The designation DOC, or „Denominazione di Origine Controllata/Protetta” (Protected Designation of Origin), and the Italian origin are also obligatory on the label.
Question: What can end consumers do if they discover a counterfeit Prosecco? Who should they contact?
To enable the consortium to take action if a counterfeit is discovered, it is necessary to document it. The labels (and the relevant information) should be photographed - detailed information about the location where the offence was discovered is helpful. Consumers can send their information directly to these Mail address we are happy about every hint!
Source: CONSORZIO DI TUTELA DELLA DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA PROSECCO
