Market trends: the growing demand for TCA-free cork stoppers
The TCA challenge in the cork industry
TCA (2,4,6-Tricloroanisol) is the molecule responsible for the so-called “cork taint,” a defect that can ruin the sensory experience of a wine. Although its incidence has decreased in recent years, it remains one of the main concerns for wineries and consumers.
For this reason, the market is demanding more than ever TCA-free stoppers that preserve the authenticity of wine and reinforce confidence in natural cork as a premium closure.
The industry’s response: innovative processes
The sector’s response has been clear: to invest in innovative control and treatment processes that minimize the presence of TCA in cork stoppers.
One of the most effective is Sniffing, a technique that allows individual detection of affected stoppers and their removal before they reach the consumer. This process has raised the industry’s quality standards, ensuring that wines are presented in optimal condition.
Trust and prestige for wineries
Today’s consumers not only seek a good wine but also quality assurance in every detail. TCA-free stoppers give wineries a competitive advantage: they enhance brand image and convey professionalism and care throughout the production process.
Thanks to these innovations, cork maintains its leading position over alternative closures such as screw caps and synthetics, proving that tradition and technology can coexist to deliver the best results.
A TCA-free future
The future of the cork industry depends on continued investment in processes such as Sniffing and recovery technologies like AdvitamCork, which ensure not only quality but also sustainability.
The trend is clear: wineries and consumers demand 100% safe, TCA-free stoppers and the industry is ready to meet this growing need.
Conclusion
The wine market is becoming increasingly demanding, and innovation in the cork sector is key to satisfying it. Investing in advanced control processes means offering wines with their properties fully preserved and strengthening confidence in natural cork.
👉 ¿Want to know how Evolution Cork can help you guarantee TCA-free cork stoppers? Contact us and discover our innovative solutions.