PARIS, France – FIVS, the global public policy federation serving the wine, spirits, and beer sectors, announced today that its 2021 FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition, scheduled for 30 June – 30 August, has been cancelled.
“FIVS’s priority is the health and safety of vineyard and wine producers, our members, staff, competition judges, and volunteers,” said Greg Hodson, FIVS President. “This is the most prudent action we can take during this unprecedented situation.”
Following consultation with the FIVS membership, comprising wine and spirits industry producers, distributors, importers, exporters, and trade associations, the FIVS Secretariat made the decision to cancel this year’s competition.
Garry Crittenden, founder of Crittenden Family Wines on Australia’s Mornington Peninsula and winner of the 2020 FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition, agreed with the FIVS decision. Says Crittenden, “We are all doing our part and coping under lockdown to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. While wineries jump at the chance to compete, it adds increased risk for all involved at this particular time. FIVS showed good judgement in its competition decision. I applaud their efforts to help bring a quick and safe end to this global pandemic and look forward to their next competition.”
Established in 2010, the FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition, formerly known as the BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition, honours wine organisations that are taking a leading role in the environmental, social, and economic
sustainability aspects of winegrowing and winemaking. As the only international award of its kind, the competition attracts progressive and passionate wine organizations from around the world that practice innovative “ground to glass” sustainable techniques. The competition is open to any vineyard/winery from any country. It is also open to multi-brand wine companies for special sustainable recognition.
FIVS hopes to resume its annual sustainable winegrowing competition in 2022, subject to an improvement in the global environment. Further details will be posted on the FIVS website at www.fivs.org.
About FIVS
FIVS is a global federation designed to serve the wine, spirits, and beer sectors from around the world on public policy issues. Its members include producers, distributors, importers, exporters, and trade associations.
FIVS works towards creating a successful global alcohol beverage sector, operating on the principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability, focusing on consumer interests, and operating in a climate free from trade-distorting factors of all kinds.
FIVS has its headquarters in Paris, France. Its members are based around the world. For more information, visit www.fivs.org.
