The Sustainability of Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP

A Product, A Territory, A Story of Sustainability

Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP is much more than a condiment. It symbolizes centuries of tradition, deeply connected to the Modenese territory and its people. But what does it truly mean to produce such a unique food product while respecting sustainability? The new research project by the Consorzio and the Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche e Aziendali at the Università di Parma aims to answer this question by exploring how the production system of Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP can serve as a model of balance between economy, environment, society, and culture.

Sustainability: Not Just a Word, but a Commitment

The European Union, through initiatives such as the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Green Deal, recognizes Geographical Indication (GI) products as examples of good practices. Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP is a notable example, renowned worldwide for its deep connection to the territory, its quality, and its ability to tell a story of tradition alongside innovation.

Sustainability is more than an abstract concept. It means ensuring that every stage of production—from cultivating raw materials to processing and distribution—respects the environment, supports the local economy, preserves natural resources, and values the people and culture of the community that make this excellence possible.

The Heart of the Project

Our research project has an ambitious goal: to measure the value and sustainable impact of the production system of Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP. To achieve this, the Consorzio and the Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche e Aziendali at the Università di Parma are:

• Mapping the Local Agrofood System (SAL):

• Analyzing the production flow, from basic ingredients to the finished product.
• Identifying stakeholders, including businesses, citizens, institutions, and associations, and their interactions.

• Measuring Impacts:

• Identifying economic, environmental, and social effects of the system.
• Mitigating risks and creating a dedicated sustainability plan for the system.
• Highlighting best practices that make the system and its products unique while identifying areas for improvement.

• Promoting Shared Value:

• Transforming data into real stories, showcasing how Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP creates value for the territory, consumers, and the global market.

A Participatory Path

This project is not just about research but also about the active involvement of those who live and work within the system. Activities include:

• Interviews and Focus Groups with producers, companies, and both local and national institutions to understand the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
• Workshops and Seminars to collaboratively define shared sustainability objectives and pathways.
• Materiality Analysis to identify the most relevant topics for all stakeholders involved.

This participation allows the Consorzio and the Department of Economics and Business Sciences at the University of Parma. to build a shared vision and identify strategies that benefit the entire system.

Why Is This Project Important?

Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP is not just a high-quality product recognized internationally. It is the result of a complex system that unites tradition, innovation, and territory. Analyzing its sustainability means:

• For Consumers: Discovering that every bottle tells a story of respect for the environment and people, encapsulating a territory and its culture with clear information.
• For Institutions and Academia: Providing a replicable model of sustainable agrofood systems.
• For the Consorzio dell’Aceto Balsamico di Modena: Becoming a promoter of projects and activities aimed at advancing sustainability while engaging all system stakeholders to identify a common strategy for the territory.

Looking to the Future

This project is just the beginning. The data collected, the analyses conducted, and the best practices identified will allow for the development of continuous improvement strategies. The goal is not only to preserve but also to innovate, ensuring that Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP remains a symbol of sustainable excellence for future generations.