In February 2020, after nearly 40 years producing wine and spirits events for the trade in key cities around the globe, Vinexpo held its first event in Paris, France. Some 2,800 exhibitors, 35 percent of which came from outside France, filled the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles to connect with nearly 30,000 visitors from 126 countries and all professional sectors of the beverages industry. In addition to sampling wines and spirits from more than 20 countries, visitors also had the opportunity to attend a variety of short lectures and master classes on topics ranging from the flavors of cask strength Armagnac to exploring the diverse terroirs of Argentina.
Several interesting themes emerged over the course of the three days. On the spirits side was the ongoing trend among drinkers to limit their alcohol intake, either by embracing low/no alcohol spirits or simply by drinking less—but drinking better. IWSR announced a forecast of 4.7 percent growth in the premium-and-above spirits category in the five years between 2018-2023, compared to 0.4 percent for standard-and-below spirits for the same period.
A second trend was the continued growing interest in how the wine industry can work in a more environmentally sustainable way. Moët Hennessy, for example, sponsored three days of talks dedicated to exploring topics such as the utility of organic and biodynamic vineyard certification, innovation and alternative packaging, and how sustainability drives creativity. A separate section in one of the halls was the focus of WOW! World of Organic Wines, where 110 producers with organic or biodynamic certification could highlight their products.
VinExpo arrives in New York City March 2-3, 2020. (www.vinexponewyork.com)
