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Host of the Italian Wine Podcast Receives Vinitaly Lifetime Achievement Award

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Professor Attilio Scienza, host of the Italian Wine Podcast show “Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza”, has been awarded Vinitaly’s highly prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at a formal inauguration ceremony in Verona on Sunday 12 April 2026. Launched in 2025, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes figures who have made a fundamental contribution to the Italian wine sector.

VERONA, Italy, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Professor Attilio Scienza is a prominent academic, geneticist, and one of the world’s leading experts in viticulture and oenology. A full professor at the University of Milan (now retired), he has led important research on the physiology, genetics, and agricultural techniques of the grapevine, and has authored over 350 scientific publications. Alongside Stevie Kim, he has hosted the popular “Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza” podcast show in which he responds to questions from the international wine community, since 2017. He is also the Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy which trains and certifies a global network of Italian Wine Ambassadors.

Professor Scienza remains extremely active in the wine community and is a highly sought after speaker and oenological consultant. At this year’s Vinitaly, he delivered advanced seminars on the subjects of Italy’s autochthonous vines, Sangiovese and the concept of vocation, and the complex inter-relationship between woodlands and vineyards. He also found time to launch his latest book, An Italian Wine Pilgrimage, another successful collaboration with Italian wine evangelist Stevie Kim.

Translation of Professor Attilio Scienza’s acceptance speech (delivered in Italian): “Vinitaly should have the courage to become not just an annual showcase, but also a think tank. It should produce a manifesto. A manifesto that clearly states the current critical issues, the sector’s priorities, and proposals to address them. A cultural and political platform, a meeting point for producers, consumers, institutions, research, and regions. European wine can defend itself if it can reposition itself within a broader narrative, capable of speaking not only to producers but to society, one that rethinks wine as one of the most significant forms of Mediterranean and European culture, one that has allowed it to become an extraordinary “tool” for socialization. The annual meeting at Vinitaly should include French, Spanish, and Greek partner institutions. Perhaps it’s just a dream, but one day I hope it will even be possible for Italy and France to come together with the common purpose of promoting their wine together.”

Stevie Kim, Professor Scienza’s co-host on the Italian Wine Podcast, said “I am absolutely delighted that Vinitaly has recognized the truly remarkable contribution of my friend and mentor, Professor Attilio Scienza. Not only is he the world’s leading academic expert on Italian wine, with a depth and breadth of knowledge that is mind blowing, he is also unfailingly generous with his time and expertise, sharing his passion and knowledge of Italian wine and his gift for storytelling with the Italian Wine Podcast’s international audience of listeners and the global community of students of the Vinitaly International Academy. We are truly blessed to have him.”

The motivation accompanying Professor Scienza’s Lifetime Achievement Award reads: “A central figure in the history of Italian wine, an internationally renowned academic, vine geneticist, agronomist, and narrator of the anthropology of wine, Attilio Scienza has opened new horizons in the study and understanding of wine as an expression of culture and in education, thereby defining key concepts such as terroir, identity, and tradition. As Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy since 2018, he continues to inspire producers, students and enthusiasts by translating scientific knowledge into narratives that ennoble Italian winegrowing and strengthen the positioning of Italian wine in the global scientific and cultural panorama, thereby opening new perspectives on the link between science, culture and wine storytelling”.

About the Italian Wine Podcast: Cin Cin with Italian Wine People! launched in 2017 as a project dedicated exclusively to the Italian wine world. The program uncovers the unique world of Italian wine in conversation with some of its key protagonists. Under the umbrella brand of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, Italian Wine Podcast aims to inform, educate, and entertain listeners with content for wine professionals and casual listeners alike. The only daily wine podcast in the world, content includes wine business, food & travel, diversity and inclusion, wine producers, science, and marketing and communication. Italian Wine Podcast is available on SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, XimalayaFM (for China), and on the official website. It now boasts over 2,600 recorded episodes with a growing online following of over 8 million listens. Donations to the show are welcomed and help fund a portion of the show’s equipment, production, and publication costs. To advertise on the show, please request a prospectus and/or customized advertising plan from info@italianwinepodcast.com. Cin Cin!

www.italianwinepodcast.com
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Tax Tops the List as Wealthy Brits Plan Their Exit, La Vida Survey Finds

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Portugal is the destination of choice for almost three in four, while Brexit is a major factor for nearly two thirds.

LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taxation is the leading concern for 82.6% of wealthy UK investors considering a second residency or citizenship, according to new research from investment migration firm La Vida.

La Vida’s 2026 UK Investor Survey asked investors who have enquired with the firm about residency or citizenship by investment what is driving their interest in leaving the UK, and where they plan to go. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026.

“Tax continues to be the main concern of wealthy Brits looking to leave the UK, with over 82% of respondents citing it as a factor driving their decision making,” said Paul Williams, CEO of La Vida.

Wealth Tax the Biggest Fear

Wealth tax was the tax increase most likely to push respondents out of the UK, ahead of income tax and inheritance tax.

Political concerns (56.5%) and cost of living (52.2%) followed taxation as the top reasons for considering a move. Concern about crime and security fell sharply, from 59.3% in La Vida’s 2025 survey to 37% this year.

“The average wealth of respondents was around £9 million. That’s more than 20 times the national average, and no doubt a significant tax loss for HMRC for each one deciding to leave,” said Williams.

“The top 1% of UK income taxpayers pay around 30% of all UK income tax. The UK government needs to find a way to persuade such wealth to stay and encourage more into the UK.”

Portugal Pulls Ahead as Dubai Fades

Portugal was named as a top-two destination by 73.8% of respondents, up from 50.6% in 2025. Italy came second at 26.2% and Greece third at 19%.

Interest in the UAE fell from 13.6% to 2.4%, even though Dubai features heavily in coverage of wealthy Britons leaving the UK.

“Portugal is a top destination for many. La Vida’s clients alone have gone on to invest several hundred million euros into the Portuguese economy in the last decade through its Golden Visa program,” said Williams.

Brexit a Major Factor

Brexit is a major factor for 63% of respondents and a minor factor for a further 17%. La Vida asked about Brexit for the first time this year, after a summer of longer queues for British travellers under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

“Brexit is the one and only reason why I would have an interest in a second residency,” said one respondent.

“I don’t regret voting for Brexit but it has rather scuppered an easy move to Portugal,” said another.

Plan B, Not Panic

A Plan B or backup option was the most common goal, named by 60.9% of respondents, ahead of tax reduction at 58.7% and visa-free travel at 54.3%.

Support for a UK Golden Visa

60% of respondents said the UK should introduce a Golden Visa program to attract investment.

The Home Office closed the UK’s Tier 1 (Investor) visa to new applicants in February 2022.

However, both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have indicated that they could reintroduce a Golden Visa in some form.

With Prime Minister Andy Burnham looking to draw further investment to the country, the proposal is likely to gain further support heading into this year’s Budget and into 2027.

Notably, wealthy Brits back the idea. Half of respondents said they did not know who they would vote for if a general election were held today.

“The UK is being left behind not only by its citizens but by its competitors in the race for global wealth,” said Williams.

Notes to Editors

Methodology: La Vida invited more than 5,000 investors who have enquired about residency or citizenship by investment over the last decade to take part in its 2026 UK Investor Survey. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026. Respondents: 91% of respondents hold UK citizenship, 76% live in the UK and 93%, with a weighted networth of £9.7 million.Multiple answers: Respondents could select more than one concern and goal, and up to two destinations.Data and comments available: the full dataset, further respondent comments and year-on-year comparisons with La Vida’s 2025 survey are available on request.

Contact:
Lizzie Edwards
***@goldenvisas.com
+44 0207 060 1475

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13177263

Press release distributed by PRLog

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SOURCE La Vida

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Truecaller announces preliminary numbers for the third quarter 2026

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Truecaller today announces its preliminary and unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026. The interimreport will be published as planned on Tuesday the 3rd of November 2027 and will as usual be followed by a webcast.

Total net sales for the third quarter 2026 is expected to amount to SEK 464 million (468) which is estimated to be an increase of 3% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year and an increase of 18% compared to the second quarter of 2026.

Ad revenues are expected to amount to SEK 245.6 million (290.2) which is a decrease of 12% in constant currencies compared to the third quarter last year but an increase of 23% compared to the previous quarter. Premium revenues are expected to amount to SEK 127.1 million (96.4) which is an increase of 32% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025. Revenues from Truecaller for Business are expected to amount to SEK 85.1 million (79.9), an increase of 14% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025 and an increase of 15% compared to the previous quarter.

EBITDA excluding non-recurring items associated with the acquisition of TextPlus is expected to amount to SEK 147.6 million (162.5) which is a decrease of approximately 6% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year but an increase of 68% compared to the previous quarter. The preliminary EBITDA-margin is 31.8% (34.7%) and the EBITDA-margin excluding incentive costs and the non-recurring items is expected to be 37.4% (39.8%).

Average non-iOS MAU was 476.2 million in the fourth quarter which is an increase of 34.5 million users compared to the same period last year and a growth of 5.2 million users during the third quarter.

SHORT COMMENT FROM THE CEO

“During the third quarter, we saw positive momentum as all three revenue streams grew compared to the previous quarter.Total net sales is now back to growth year-over year in local currency. Profitability is now also back at a healthy level. Our user base continued to grow, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than historically. Our focus is and has to a larger extent been on improving the monetisation of the existing user base and to tap into the growing demand beyond our established markets.

Within Ads, we continued our transition toward our new proprietary ad platform and auction process and we saw a gradual revenue improvement during the quarter, while Premium delivered sustained solid revenue growth. For Truecaller for Business, message volumes for Business Messaging are now higher than a year ago following our shift to a multi-partner model and Verified Business had a stable development. Overall, we continue to strengthen our position across key areas and are positive towards continuing the revenue transition,” says Rishit Jhunjhunwalam, CEO, Truecaller.

Preliminary results for July-September 2026 (Q3)

SEKm

Q3 2026

Q3 2025

Y/Y %

Y/Y % in constant
currency

Ad revenues

245.6

290.2

-15 %

-12 %

Premium revenues

127.1

96.4

+32 %

+32 %

Truecaller for business
revenues

85.1

79.9

+6 %

+14 %

Other net sales

6.2

1.4

+>100%

Net sales

464

467.9

-1 %

+3 %

Other revenues

5.3

8.8

-40 %

Total revenues

469.3

476.7

-2 %

+2 %

Cost of goods sold

-133.0

-113.6

+17 %

Gross profit

331.0

354.3

-7 %

-4 %

Gross margin

71.3 %

75.7 %

Staff costs excl.

incentives

-72.3

-88.3

-18 %

Incentive costs

-26.1

-23.6

+11 %

Other expenses

-90.3

-88.6

+2 %

EBITDA and margin

147.6 / 31.8%

162.5 /34.7%

-9 %

-6 %

EBITDA and margin
excl. Incentive costs

173.7 /37.4% 

186.2/39.8%

-7 %

-3 %

EBITDA

129.6/27.9%

162.5/34.7%

-20 %

-17 %

Profit after net
financial items

108.6

148.4

-27 %

Net profit

68.8

108.5

-37 %

Average MAU, non-iOS,
millions

476.2

441.7

+8 %

Average DAU, non-iOS,
millions

411.1

379.3

+8 %

Preliminary Nature of the Information

The financial information included in this press release is preliminary and unaudited. The final reviewed financial statements for January-September 2026 are expected to be published on the 3rd of November 2026. Differences between the preliminary figures and the final results may arise.

This information is information that Truecaller is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2026-10-19 06:15 CET.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Frid, Head of IR & Communication
+46 705 29 08 00
andreas.frid@truecaller.com

About Truecaller:

Truecaller (TRUE B) is the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication. We enable safe and relevant conversations between people and make it efficient for businesses to connect with consumers. Fraud and unwanted communication are endemic to digital economies. especially in emerging markets. We are on a mission to build trust in communication. Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for more than 500 million active users. Truecaller is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 8 October 2021. For more information please visit corporate.truecaller.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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CCTV+: A Civilizational Dialogue Across 5000 Years — Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a China‑Russia Co‑produced Documentary, Premieres Globally

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BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 18, 2026, the 4th Liangzhu Forum opened in Liangzhu, the sacred site that bears testimony to China’s 5,000‑year‑old civilization. On the same day, Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a documentary co-produced by Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel) and Russian Digital Television’s “My Planet” Channel, made its global debut. The film launches a cross‑millennia civilizational dialogue through visuals. It airs simultaneously on Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel), its English platform, Russia’s “My Planet” Channel, major global media outlets and the China Blue International Media Matrix.

In December 2025, during the 6th China‑Russia Media Forum in Beijing, the two sides signed a media cooperation agreement for long‑term collaboration in co‑production, promotion and cultural exchanges. This documentary stands as a signature achievement under this cooperation framework.

Shooting for the film began in Hangzhou last April. The joint Sino‑Russian crew visited iconic cultural sites including the Liangzhu Museum, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City, and the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section). Combining on‑site cinematography, expert interviews, and archaeological footage, the film captures exquisite jade artifacts from the Fanshan Royal Cemetery, the grand Mojiaoshan palace foundations and the ancient water‑conservancy systems, showcasing Liangzhu’s city layout, jade craftsmanship, water‑management wisdom and rice‑farming culture.

Adopting two‑way perspectives, the film gathers insights from Chinese and Russian scholars including museum directors and young Sinologists. It helps Russian audiences understand China’s millennia‑long civilization from their own cultural context, and lets the world perceive the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.

As an innovative practice for international cultural communication, this production boosts Liangzhu’s global recognition and serves as a vivid footnote for people‑to‑people exchanges in the new era.

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