Vinexpo opens with record numbers

A record number of countries have descended on Bordeaux this week for the 15th Vinexpo exhibition, which was officially opened by the French Agricultural and Fisheries minister, Michel Barnier, on Sunday, June 21.

In all exhibitors from 48 wine and spirit producing countries are taking part in the show which is expected to attract slightly fewer visitors than in previous years. First time exhibitors include wine producers from Brazil, Poland, Sweden, Belarus and Egypt. A 1,600 strong delegation is expected from South America, especially from Brazil.

The spirits side of the show is slightly smaller than in previous years accounting for 12% of the total 41,000 sq m of stand space.

Xavier de Eizaguirre, president of Vinexpo, said at the show's opening ceremony that the show was even more important than usual for the global wine and spirits industry due to the economic crisis. But the record numbers of exhibitors from countries from all over the world demonstrated how important the show was not only to the traditional wine producing countries, but to the emerging and booming markets as well.

Robert Beynat, director general of Vinexpo said there was every reason still to be optimistic about the sector's future. Vinexpo research predicts a 6% rise in global wine consumption over the next five years with China and Russia, in particular, driving sales into new markets - with predicted growth of 25% and 36% respectively over the next five years, he told Vinexpo.
The United States, he added, is set to become the biggest wine market by 2012.

Conference organisers are realistic about the show's visitor numbers considering the economic situation and it is expected overall numbers could be down between eight and 10%. Between 40,000 and 45,000 visitors are expected. Final figures will be released on the show's close on Thursday, June 24.

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