Committed to Water, Soil, and Food Sustainability
Committed to Water, Soil, and Food Sustainability
Transforming agriculture and viticulture for a greener, more sustainable future. Discover how our innovative practices are preserving natural resources and promoting biodiversity.
In our project, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From water management to soil protection, we strive to implement practices that ensure a healthy future for our planet and future generations.
Sustainable Water Management:
Our commitment to sustainable water management is unwavering. Beneficiaries of the project, including agri-food producers and winemakers, employ advanced irrigation techniques and water recycling systems to minimize usage and maximize efficiency.
Our vineyards, located in the three Protected Designations of Origin – Almansa, Jumilla, and La Mancha – focus on indigenous varieties like Airén, Garnacha Tintorera, and Monastrell. These varieties, highly resistant to drought and heatwaves, contribute to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. These varieties, highly resistant to drought and heatwaves, contribute to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Reduction of Food Loss and Waste:
Reducing food loss and waste is crucial to us. We implement innovative strategies that minimize waste at every stage of the supply chain, from production to consumption, ensuring every resource is used optimally.
Project PKS participants support local milk producers, use solar energy, optimize production to reduce waste, and replace plastic with eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, snack production focuses on organic raw materials and healthy nutrition, fostering sustainable consumption and biodiversity conservation.
Sustainable Soil Management:
We promote sustainable soil management through Integral Production practices. These techniques, which limit chemical use, protect soil health and maintain long-term fertility. A standout example is the cultivation of La Mancha Saffron, grown without pesticides and using organic fertilizers.
Discover the campaign:
European Food and Wine - A recipe for sustainability
Discover the campaign: European Food and Wine - A recipe for sustainability
This program is an initiative that brings together five key collaborators from the agri-food industry in Spain and Slovakia in a joint commitment to sustainability and a greener future.
The Slovak Food Chamber, composed of Slovak food companies working to defend the common interests of the food industry, joins forces with three Spanish Designations of Origin (DO) in the wine sector: La Mancha, Jumilla, and Almansa.
They are also joined by the Designation of Origin for Saffron of La Mancha in Spain to promote high European quality standards and contribute to increasingly sustainable production methods.
PKS represents food companies, distributors, employers, and exporters, contributing to legislative development, supporting industry competitiveness, consumer protection, environmental sustainability, product quality, food security, and sustainable development. It also focuses on educating consumers about balanced nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and increased physical activity.
Almansa’s Denomination of Origin vineyards, situated at an average altitude of 750 meters with low fertility soil and less than 350 liters of annual rainfall per square meter, are ideal for high-quality grape production. Established in 1966 but with a viticultural history dating back to the 16th century, Almansa is renowned for cultivating Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell grapes. These varieties, along with Syrah and Verdejo, thrive in the region’s climate and soil. Almansa consists of 11 wineries, covering 9,800 hectares of vineyards and annually producing over 6.5 million bottles, with a strong focus on international exports.
Jumilla, located in Southeast Spain, boasts over 22,700 hectares of vineyards and a history of viticulture spanning more than 5,000 years. The region’s signature grape is Monastrell, accounting for 75% of its production. Monastrell wines are known for their intense character, marked by a purple color and rich fruit aromas. Jumilla also cultivates other grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha Tintorera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more. Jumilla’s wine culture is deeply rooted and known for its traditional winemaking approaches.
Situated in central Spain, La Mancha offers ideal climate conditions for grape cultivation, producing wines suitable for diverse palates. Wine production has been a defining characteristic of this region since the 12th to 13th centuries, with official recognition as a Denomination of Origin in 1932. La Mancha boasts an extensive range of grape varieties, both native (such as Tempranillo and Airén) and international, leading to diverse wine types, including Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. The region’s wines are appreciated for their adaptability to different tastes.
The Saffron from La Mancha Protected Denomination of Origin is overseen by the Governing Council Foundation, a non-profit organization representing saffron producers and packers. The saffron produced here is derived from the stigma and styles of the Crocus sativus flower and is characterized by its high quality. It is exclusively sold in threads in containers of no more than 100g, ensuring food safety and product origin. Saffron has deep historical and cultural roots in the region and is produced with strict adherence to specified quality standards. The Foundation plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the authenticity and prestige of Saffron from La Mancha.
