Mario Peretto concludes his term as President of Cantina Santa Maria La Palma after 12 years
After twelve years at the helm, the historic President ends his third consecutive term, the maximum allowed by the cooperative’s statutes
After twelve years at the helm of Cantina Santa Maria La Palma, President Mario Peretto concludes his term as president, having reached the maximum number of terms allowed by the statutes. This milestone marks the natural conclusion of a long and successful journey, which has accompanied the growth and transformation of the winery, now one of Sardinia’s most representative and dynamic wine producers.
Under his leadership, together with the Board of Directors, the cooperative has achieved significant goals, experiencing a phase of strong development and consolidation, both in terms of production and sales.
Turnover has increased from around £9 million to over £25 million, almost tripling. The winery has increased its workforce: the number of permanent employees has more than doubled. The area under vine has increased to over 900 hectares of vineyards, extending the grape harvest to a selection of particularly suitable regional terroirs.
Over £21 million in investments have been planned, many of which are aimed at improving the winery’s energy efficiency and sustainability.
The company has grown to become increasingly important for its impact on the local area, distributing over £30 million in the Alghero area over the last three years.
This is an impressive figure, which includes the remuneration paid to the members, the large family of over 300 winegrowers living in the Nurra countryside, to whom over £32 million has been distributed over the last five years, in addition to the salaries paid to around 100 local employees and collaborators.
The multiplier effect of these figures is reflected throughout the territory: every euro redistributed is transformed into consumption, work and local economic activity, making the winery one of the major players in the economic life of northern Sardinia and the island as a whole, contributing to the effective growth of the territory and the people who live there.
These results are the fruit of expansion in national and international markets, with the significant strengthening of the Akènta brand, which has become a symbol of Sardinian sparkling wine, and the growth of Akènta Sub, the famous underwater sparkling wine from Sardinia, combined with the great success of Vermentino Aragosta, which has become the best-selling Vermentino di Sardegna worldwide.
These innovations, combined with numerous national and international awards and recognitions, have contributed to enhancing the image of the Alghero area and the whole of Sardinia around the world, thanks to projects that combine wine, tourism and sustainability, such as Akènta Day, an event that over the last 10 years has transformed the emergence of Akènta Sub into a collective experience, combining oenology, culture and local identity.
Here are the words with which President Peretto bid farewell to the company: ‘Over the past twelve years, I have had the privilege of leading a large family. We have worked hard, shared values and built an increasingly solid, modern and globally recognised winery. The growth we have achieved is not only economic but above all human: it is the result of collaboration, trust and the deep bond that unites our partners, our employees and the local area.
Today, I conclude my term of office with pride, knowing that I have contributed to strengthening a project that will continue to grow in line with the values that have always inspired us: cooperation, valuing people, the continuous pursuit of quality and respect for the land. I am confident that the new Board of Directors will continue the path of growth and innovation that we have built together with new energy, expertise and vision.
The company wanted to accompany this transition with a message of gratitude:
“Chairman, over the past twelve years we have worked hard, celebrated prestigious awards, launched new labels and built a more united and aware community. Thank you for believing in people, in the power of cooperation and in the possibility of building a company that looks to the future. You have led the winery with the wisdom of someone who knows the land and with the vision of someone who can see far ahead.”
Cantina Santa Maria La Palma is now preparing to open a new chapter in its history in the spirit of continuity and innovation, maintaining a strong connection with the values that have inspired its journey since its foundation.
