Tony Loeb

🍷 The Prowein Business Report, annually released, examines the state of the international wine industry. Over 1,300 experts from 30+ countries, including producers, exporters, importers, and hospitality representatives, contributed to the Geisenheim University-commissioned study. In 2024, economic conditions modestly improved for most countries compared to 2023, with Germany as an exception due to a drop in wine consumption. Preferences are shifting towards sparkling, white, rosé, and low-alcohol or alcohol-free wines, especially in the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria, while red wines remain popular in Southern and Eastern Europe. Premium and super premium wines have driven market value over the past 20 years despite stagnant volumes. However, only 50% of experts believe premiumisation is sustainable given the economic crisis. The report suggests enhancing connections between premium products and sustainability to attract younger generations and ensure long-term market growth.

🍰 Pastry Chef Michele Di Leva from Casa Angelina in Praiano, Italy, has been honored by the Accademia Maestri Pasticceri Italiani (AMPI) in their AMPI Giovani program, promoting under-30 talents since 2022. Michele joins 21 young talents in the 2025 cohort, starting with the 46th SIGEP World in Rimini in January 2025. AMPI Giovani offers a two-year active participation in events with AMPI Masters, providing unique personal and professional growth opportunities. Casa Angelina, known for its starred restaurant Un Piano Nel Cielo, led by Executive Chef Leopoldo Elefante, embodies an authentic culinary philosophy emphasizing quality and local produce.

🍳 L'Agriturismo Ca' del Re in Verduno (Cuneo) seeks a Pastry Chef de Partie with 2-3 years of experience to join Chef Tetsuya Maekawa's team. Availability needed from March to November, with the possibility of a permanent contract. The selected candidate will work 6 days a week, different shifts, with a net monthly salary ranging from €1,600 to €1,800. Meals and accommodation provided. Seasonal contract starts March 1 to November 30, with options to extend.

📌 The EU and Mercosur have signed a significant trade agreement involving multiple sectors, including agriculture. The Mercosur bloc includes full members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia, with Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname as associate countries. The pact provides for the protection of 349 European Geographical Indications, potentially boosting European wineries' growth in South American markets by eliminating or reducing tariffs. The agreement also aligns with EU sustainability policies, incorporating commitments to the Paris climate agreement and strong stances on deforestation. Giangiacomo Gallarati Scotti Bonaldi, President of Federdoc, expressed satisfaction with the deal for the European quality wine sector.

🏖 Aefi joined the 'Patto per il turismo' initiated by the Italian Ministry of Tourism during the second edition of the International Tourism Forum. Loredana Sarti, the association's general secretary, represented President Maurizio Danese to sign the pact, aiming to outline a common path of shared actions to boost the growth of Italy's tourism industry.

🏖 The Milleproroghe decree is extending several measures into 2025, impacting tourism, particularly for communities within the Apennine mountain range. A fund is provided for businesses affected by reduced snowfall from November 2023 to March 2024, requiring a revenue decrease of at least 30% compared to the previous year. Beneficiaries include lift operators, rental services, ski instructors, travel agencies, tour operators, thermal bath establishments, and hospitality and restaurant businesses. The decree extends a 50% subsidy on expenditures for energy efficiency and seismic retrofitting of tourism-related structures until 31 October 2025. Simplified procedures for installing photovoltaic systems in tourism and thermal facilities are prolonged until 31 December 2025. Additionally, the deadline for private sector employers to sign fixed-term contracts beyond 12 months and for businesses to secure catastrophic risk insurance contracts is extended to 31 March 2025.