Vinexpo 2013: Outstanding results

France Bordeaux

Vinexpo 2013

Outstanding results

Vinexpo, the international
wine and spirits exhibition,
broke all records for the foreign
attendance at its 17th show:
almost 38% of the visitors
had come from all over the world.

Vinexpo registered 48,858 visitors from 148 countries, a slight 1.5% increase compared to 2011. The attendance of French professionals representing all sectors of the industry: wholesalers, hyper- and supermarket buyers, restaurateurs, sommeliers and specialist retailers, remained stable between the two years (62.2%). Non-French visitors increased by 3% reaching a new record of 37.8%, i.e. 18,462 visitors.
Asia with its booming markets clearly demonstrated its interest in wine and spirits. China, with 3,388 professionals, is Vinexpo’s largest non-French visitor, up 13.9% compared to 2011. One of the biggest growing participation this year isto the Japanese who, with 17.63% more visitors, reflect the country's recovery, where wine consumption continues to grow regu­larly. And beyond these two leaders from the East, the exhibition attracted more and more Asian visitors (India: +32.7%, Taiwan: +4.5%, Vietnam: +20.4% and Malaysia: +21.1%).

“Vinexpo is a great springboard to expand one’s business in the wine industry”, said Sumit Munjral, director of Muntjal Brothers, Indian importer.

The U.S., the world’s leading wine-consuming nation both in volume and value, was Vinexpo’s second largest international visitor with 1,433 professionals. Canadians were on the increase with 731 professionals, up 11.9%. Despite the established concentration of American and Canadian distribution networks, more than one foreign visitor out of ten came from North America.
Amongst the nations whose professional representation showed significant growth, Russia also featured with 9.8% more visitors than in 2011.
Europe’s import destinations were very present. After United Kingdom (1,418), Belgium (1,132) and Germany (1,073) respectively in 4th, 5th and 6th position, came the Netherlands (827) and Switzerland (552) followed by Finland (+11.9%), Austria (+55.7%), Denmark (+32%) and Norway (+12.9%). The major European producing nations, Spain and Italy, were also well represented by buyers, especially from hyper- and supermarket chains.
“These statistics confirm our forecasts with regard to world markets. Between 2012 and 2016, wine consumption will increase by 145 million 9-litre cases worldwide (+5.31%). Three markets in particular will drive this growth: the U.S. (+ 40.5 million cases), China (+70.5 million cases) and Russia (+17.4 million cases)”, pointed out the Chief Executive of Vinexpo, Robert Beynat.

Vinexpo displayed a wide variety and a comprehensive representation of global production. 2,400 exhibitors from 44 countries and many more producing regions and appellations put their wines and spirits on show with stands that covered a total floor area of 40,000 sq. m (430,500 sq. ft.). In just a few steps, visitors could move from France to Chile, from US to Italy, from Germany to South Africa, from China to Japan or even from Georgia to Lebanon.
The tastings and presentations branded “Tastings by Vinexpo” enjoyed lively support, being attended by 14,700 professionals who sought introductions to new products, opportunities to improve their knowledge or hear the views of internationally acclaimed experts.

1,290 journalists from 54 countries paced the aisles. The exhibition’s Press Centre was a hive of activity and the impact in the international written press as well as the radio and television coverage reflected the media buzz.
As announced during the exhibition in Bordeaux, 2014 will be a year full of surprises. Vinexpo Overseas, whose success in Hong Kong is unanimously recognized, will extend its activities. This expansion will serve the needs of wine and spirits professionals in these high potential markets.
Major event in Asia the international wine and spirits exhibition will again be held in Hong Kong on 27, 28 and 29 May, 2014. For this 8th edition, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific takes on a larger footprint. In order to respond to the substantial demand from exhibitors the overall floor area for stands will be increased by half to reach 15,000 sq. m (over 160,000 sq. ft.).

“Vinexpo in Beijing” is an extension of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific. It is an additional opportunity where everything will be organized to make it feasible for exhibitors to set out and display their offerings before the trade professionals of Northeast China. Different but with nevertheless the recognizable traits of being a venue for international exhibitors and exclusively professional visitors, this fair will be a 2-day event held on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 June, 2014. It will accommodate 200 exhibitors with turn-key stands at the Beijing Exhibition Centre in the heart of the city, not far from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
In the face of overwhelming demand from Japanese professionals, Vinexpo Overseas has decided to respond to the requests of local importers and organize a totally unique event in Tokyo. It will take place on 1 and 2 November, 2014 at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo in the Japanese capital’s city centre. This B to B exhibition will address the full range of Japanese distribution channels, with a special focus on the on-trade (cafés, hotels, bars and restaurants). Involved in the show, the main importers will be able to share stands with loyal Vinexpo customers. A total of 400 stand spaces will be on offer and 4,000 visitors are expected.
In five intense days, featuring very active exhibitors, top flight tastings and quality business contacts hailed by the attendees themselves, Vinexpo has strengthened its global position as leading professional wine and spirits gathering.

Dominique Peyral-Bon

Informations sur www.vinexpo.com