Pau Roca, OIV Director General, Dies in Dijon at 65
The wine industry mourns the loss of Pau Roca, the Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), who passed away on December 7th in Dijon, France. The OIV announced the sad news, stating that Roca, 65, had succumbed to a long illness.
Roca, elected to lead the OIV for a five-year term in 2018, had been an active participant in the organization since 1992, serving as a Spanish delegate. During his tenure, he held several significant roles, including chairing the Consumer Law and Information (DROCON) expert group from 2010 to 2016, and acting as vice-chairman of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change expert group from 2016 to 2018.
With a background in oceanography and experience in the olive oil sector, Roca possessed comprehensive knowledge of the global wine industry. He notably served as the head of the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) for over two decades. Fluent in French and English, Roca was a strong advocate for digitalization within the wine sector and played a vital role in implementing new internal communication tools at OIV.
Roca’s efforts extended beyond the OIV, as he sought to enhance its presence in an increasingly globalized world. He fostered partnerships with international institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), and the Codex Alimentarius. Furthermore, Roca welcomed three new member states, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Albania, expanding the OIV’s reach to 50 member states.
Regina Vanderlinde and Luigi Moio, who chaired the OIV during Roca’s mandate, praised his dedication and unwavering commitment to the global wine industry. They credit his initiative as paving the way for the organization’s entry into a new century.
The OIV, its member states, and the global wine community express their deepest condolences to Roca’s family and friends. His passing is a tremendous loss to the industry. The OIV also extends its sympathies to Roca’s wife, Diana Ribera, and their three children.
As the industry mourns the loss of Pau Roca, his contributions and legacy will be remembered for years to come.
