A high-level meeting at the European Parliament today addressed the need for a unified EU definition of vinegar, aiming to standardize production, denominations, and labeling across member states. The initiative, led by Italian MEP Stefano Bonaccini, comes amid rapid growth in the vinegar sector and seeks to close a regulatory gap that currently hampers both producers and consumers.
Currently, EU law only provides a harmonized definition for wine vinegar. All other vinegar types remain subject to diverse national regulations, creating competitive distortions in an increasingly globalized market, uncertainty for operators, and confusion among consumers.
“The sector is calling for a clear standard, a precise definition of what vinegar is,” said Sabrina Federzoni, President of Federvini’s Vinegar Group. “Vinegar is experiencing a very positive moment: it is natural, tied to the territory, and has multiple uses. It is growing worldwide, and Italy and Europe are major producers. Today, we lack a clear definition that distinguishes what vinegar is and what it is not. Our goal is to have a European definition that makes information transparent for consumers and helps them understand exactly what they are buying.”
The economic and international significance of Aceto Balsamico di Modena was also emphasized. “Our products export over 92% of theirtotal volumes,” said Cesare Mazzetti, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Aceto Balsamico di Modena. “It is the Italian geographical-indication product that exports the most globally. We have a presence in over 100 countries and are recognized as ambassadors of authentic Italian cuisine.”
The discussion included insights from Valéry Brabant, President of the European Vinegar Association (EVA), representing producers from multiple member states, and French MEP Céline Imart, working alongside Bonaccini on the ongoing legislative process.
The proposal on the table would incorporate a European definition of vinegar into Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 on the common organization of agricultural markets, establishing, for the first time, common criteria for production and labeling. The aim is to enhance fair competition, prevent unfair practices, and guarantee consumers clear, transparent, and comparable information.