QR technology helps Italian winemaker navigate EU wine regulations

Mezzacorona Group, a well-established Italian winemaker, has strengthened its compliance and traceability capabilities through its collaboration with Markem-Imaje, a provider of industrial marking and coding solutions. The partnership supports Mezzacorona in meeting the latest EU Wine Regulation requirements while improving supply chain efficiency.

Founded in 1904 in the Rotaliana plain of northeastern Italy, Mezzacorona produces nearly 50 million bottles annually, distributing its wines and sparkling wines worldwide. Managing extensive logistics data while ensuring regulatory compliance has become a key priority for the company. Since 2000, Markem-Imaje has provided automated coding solutions that simplify late-stage customisation of wine cases, significantly reducing the number of SKUs required. The technology also contributes to sustainability efforts by using low-maintenance coders and non-hazardous, VOC-free inks that generate less waste.

By implementing Markem-Imaje’s advanced marking systems, Mezzacorona has increased production efficiency while maintaining high coding accuracy. The transition to real-time automated coding enables the company to manage complex regulatory and technical requirements, including compliance with the EU’s new labelling regulations. Since December 2023, wine producers and suppliers have been required to provide detailed ingredient and nutritional information, a challenge due to the evolving nature of wine composition.

With Markem-Imaje solutions, Mezzacorona now ensures that up-to-date ingredient, nutritional, and traceability information is accessible via QR codes on each label, enhancing transparency for both retailers and consumers. Integration with Markem-Imaje’s CoLOS® software allows for quality control at every production stage, including accurate label application through robotic automation.

Key technologies supporting Mezzacorona’s operations include the SmartLase® C350 CO2 laser, which marks essential data such as harvest dates on each bottle, and the 5800 case printer, which enables custom coding for multiple product lines using Touch Dry® wax-based ink. The solutions are supported by a dedicated service contract to maintain efficiency and ensure regular software updates.

Nicola Berghem, Head of Maintenance at Gruppo Mezzacorona, said: The choice of the Markem-Imaje laser coding system is in the same vein as neither inks nor solvents are used, thus reducing the environmental impact is reduced while maintaining high coding quality.

Through its long-standing partnership with Markem-Imaje, Mezzacorona continues to optimise production, meet regulatory demands, and provide greater transparency across the supply chain.