The forums organised by “Le Terre del Balsamico” at CIBUS were a complete success, with strong support from the Ministry of Culture for Traditional Modena Balsamic Vinegar to be granted UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status.
During the event, parliamentary private secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Francesco Gilioli, reiterated the Italian government’s support for the candidacy, underling the historic and cultural importance of Modena Balsamic Vinegar. This support was confirmed by the presence of Renzo Armuzzi of the Region of Emilia-Romagna, who gave his full backing to the initiative.
The forum “Modena and Balsamic Vinegar: the Taste of Culture and the Culture of Taste” was an important opportunity to discuss the UNESCO candidacy and issues connected with the authenticity and protection of Italian culinary products. The participation of industry experts and institutions of various levels emphasised the importance of preserving the tradition and the cultural heritage of Modena Balsamic Vinegar. Chairman of Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Protection Consortium), Mariangela Grosoli, underlined the ongoing work that has gone into obtaining UNESCO recognition, highlighting the contribution made by families and entrepreneurs in Modena and Reggio Emilia. The talks also addressed key topics such as the sustainability and authenticity of Italian agrifood products, with contributions from industry experts. Cesare Baldrighi, Chairman of Origin Italia, stressed the importance of economic, social and environmental sustainability for maintaining the reputation of Italian P.D.O. and P.G.I. products. The success of the forums and the support of the Ministry of Culture represent a significant step towards the consolidation of Traditional Modena Balsamic Vinegar’s international reputation through the acquisition of UNESCO intangible heritage status, confirming the importance of collaboration between the authorities and producers in safeguarding Italy’s cultural heritage.