An award that recognizes his entrepreneurial journey, his industrial vision, and his unwavering commitment to promoting Italian agri-food excellence, both in Italy and around the world
Rome, May 28, 2026 – President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella appointed Giacomo Ponti as a Knight of Labor by decree dated May 27, 2026.
“Iaccept this appointment with deep emotion and a great sense of responsibility,” says Giacomo Ponti. “I would like to dedicate it first and foremost to my father Franco and my uncle Cesare, and to share it with my cousin Lara and with all the people who work with us every day and contribute to the growth of our company. At a historic moment when businesses are called upon not only to compete but also to foster trust, culture, and value for their communities, I consider this honor a tribute to an entrepreneurial legacy built over time through hard work, quality, a connection to the local area, and the ability to innovate with an eye toward the future. For us, promoting the value of Italian agri-food products around the world is, even before it is an industrial goal, a cultural responsibility.”
Born in Novara in 1972, Giacomo Ponti is the President of Ponti S.p.A. Società Benefit, a historic company founded in 1787 and now an internationally recognized leader in the production of vinegars and vegetable preserves. As a representative of the ninth generation of the founding family, he has guided the company’s growth and international expansion over the years, combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability.
He joined the company in 2000 and has contributed to the modernization of the production facilities, the development of international markets, and the Group’s strategic evolution, always placing a central focus on promoting Italian agricultural supply chains, ensuring the quality of raw materials, and prioritizing sustainability and industrial innovation.
In addition to his business activities, Giacomo Ponti is actively involved in the national association system. Since 2025, he has served as president of Federvini, the federation that represents Italian companies that produce and export wines, spirits, and vinegars. Since 2021, he has also served as president of Italia del Gusto, the consortium that brings together some of Italy’s leading food and beverage companies with the goal of promoting the country’s agri-food excellence around the world.