Vinexpo New York creates advisory board to support strategic vision

December 30, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK – As plans ramp up for its third annual show, Vinexpo New York has assembled an Advisory Board of 11 U.S.-based wine and spirits industry leaders to help guide its future path. The show, which has quickly established itself as the leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America, returns to Jacob K. Javits Convention Center March 2-3, 2020.

With the help of the Advisory Board, which comprises both past exhibitors and attendees of Vinexpo New York, show organizers are creating a strategic vision that will maximize the show’s value to North American wine and spirits professionals. The board will lend its collective expertise and contribute to the planning and growth of the show.

The inaugural members of the Vinexpo New York Advisory Board include:

· John Beaudette, President & Founder, MHW Ltd. With more than 35 years of industry experience, Beaudette founded MHW, a national beverage alcohol import, distribution and service company, in 1995. He is a board member and former chair of The National Association of Beverage Importers Inc., sits on the board of The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, and is a frequent speaker and lecturer at wine and spirits industry events.

· Cheryl Murphy Durzy, CEO, LibDib. After managing wholesale sales for her family’s 80,000-case winey for more than 17 years, Durzy launched LibDib in 2016 as the first alcohol distributor and technology company to offer a three-tier compliant web-based platform. She sits on several boards, including the California Sustainable Wine Association and Free the Grapes.

· Valerie Gerard-Masuura, VP Operations, Sopexa U.S.A. Backed by 20 years of experience, the past 10 in the U.S., Gerard-Masuura plans integrated programs promoting the products of European wine and food regions and appellations through consumer and trade activations. The French native has earned the Chevalier du Merite Agricole award for outstanding contribution to agriculture by the French Ministry of Agriculture and has been inducted into the Confrérie du Jambon de Bayonne.

· Monique Huston, Vice President Wholesale Spirits, Winebow. Huston launched her spirits career more than two decades ago at Omaha, Nebraska’s Dundee Dell, one of the world’s largest whisky and spirits collections. She joined The Winebow Group in 2015 and rose to her current position in 2017. Huston has been featured in Whisky Advocate, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal.

· Helen Mackey, Vice President of Enterprise Beverage Strategy & Innovation, Darden Restaurants. A 20-year industry veteran, Mackey leads beverage strategy and innovation for wine, spirits and beer for each of the Darden concepts including Capital Grille, Eddie Vs, Seasons 52, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steak House, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Cheddars Scratch Kitchen. A frequent lecturer, she is a Wine Spectator panel expert on the U.S. wine market and alcohol trends, and was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 Wine Director of the Year.

· Vela McClam Mitchell Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Lemae Group Wines. Thomas and her late husband founded Lemae Group Wines, a wine importing company headquartered in Atlanta, in 1999. The couple’s original mission was to bring the fine wines of Portugal to the U.S. It has since expanded to include wines from estate vineyards in France, Italy and Spain as well. Thomas has led the company for the past 10 years.

· Steve Melchiskey, Managing Member, USA Wine West. Since working the grape harvest in the Rhinegau in 1976, Melchiskey has built an illustrious career in the wine industry. He founded USA Wine West in 1996 and is also owner/winemaker at Maine Coast Vineyards and a licensed attorney specializing in wine law. Melchiskey currently advises wine portfolios in developing their U.S. distribution and marketing strategies.

· Brandy Rand, Chief Operating Officer, Americas, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Rand oversees demand generation and strategy for North America, Canada and the Caribbean for IWSR, the leading source of global beverage alcohol data and trends. She brings to her position 18 years of prior management experience in the industry, including Allied Domecq Spirts & Wines, William Grant & Sons, and Bacardi Limited. She also ran her own brand-building practice for many years, consulting for Anheuser-Busch, Beam Suntory and other brands.

· Brian Rosen, President, BevStrat. A leading authority in the three-tier system, retail off premise, marketing, and go-to-market strategy for the adult beverage space, Rosen has more than 30 years of industry experience. Since 2007 he has led BevStrat, America’s leading brand sales and marketing arm for brands under 100,000 cases in market. Rosen is also vice president, global brand development at MHW Ltd.

· Manilay Saito, Senior Manager North America—Wine, Beer & Spirits, Business France. Saito brings 15 years of industry experience in Japan and the U.S. to Business France, the French Trade Commission in North America. Since assuming her current role in 2013, she has served as a liaison between North American industry professionals and French producers, supervising a diverse team across the U.S. and Canada.

· Aaron Sherman, Chief Executive Officer, SevenFifty. Sherman co-founded SevenFifty, an online platform for the beverage alcohol trade, in 2012. He brings to his role more than a decade of industry experience in a range of capacities, from sommelier at leading New York restaurants like WD-50 and L’Artusi to beverage director at SLS Hotel in Los Angeles. As CEO, Sherman oversees SevenFifty’s overall company vision and growth.

For more information on Vinexpo New York, or to register to attend, visit https://www.vinexponewyork.com/.

About Vinexpo

Since its establishment in Bordeaux in 1981, on the initiative of Bordeaux Gironde’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vinexpo has been a leading organizer of events for the wine and spirits industry. In 37 years, Vinexpo has developed a unique understanding of the market and an extensive network of key distributors around the World. The brand currently runs exhibitions in four set locations (Bordeaux, Hong Kong, New York and soon Paris), and the touring event Vinexpo Explorer. The Group also publishes every year the Vinexpo/IWSR Report, which is the most comprehensive survey of the global consumption of wine and spirits. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com. Join Vinexpo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn

Vinexpo New York returns to the Javits Center for a third year, March 2-3, 2020

November 11, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK – The leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America, Vinexpo New York returns for a third year, March 2-3, 2020, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 2020 show promises to build on the momentum of the March 2019 program, which drew 400 exhibitors and 3,000 wine and spirits professionals—three-quarters of whom indicated they are directly involved in purchasing.

Jointly organized with Diversified Communications, Vinexpo New York is open exclusively to trade professionals. It features two full days of educational programming, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall strategically organized to foster business relationships between both domestic and international producers and American importers, distributors, retailers, brokers, e-commerce representatives, on-trade buyers and sommeliers. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through Nov. 30.

The 2020 show will introduce several significant new features, among them a new Importer Pavilion that will provide importers with an efficient platform to showcase their wine and spirits portfolios to top buyers and decision-makers from all regions of the U.S. and Canada. Also new is a Key Buyer Program offering VIP perks to high-volume wine and spirits buyers from top distributors and importers. Key buyers enjoy free entry to the exhibit hall, including all networking events, special events, One to Wine Meetings, conferences and master classes. They also have exclusive access to a Key Buyer Lounge that provides a comfortable place, stocked with complimentary refreshments, to meet with their team during the expo. Key buyer nominations are being accepted at keybuyer@vinexponewyork.com .

Vinexpo New York 2020 will also see the return of popular signature offerings like the complimentary One to Wine Meetings matchmaking service and WOW! World of Organic Wines, an exhibit and tasting area devoted exclusively to organic and biodynamic wines and spirits from around the world. More details of the 2020 program will be announced shortly.

Mary Larkin, president of Diversified Communications remarked, “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Vinexpo and to once again bring its power to America, where wine and spirits producers from around the globe have an unequalled opportunity to showcase their products to the largest wine-consuming market in the world.”

Added Vinexpo CEO Rodolphe Lameyse, “The strong results of the past two Vinexpo New York shows, and the early interest we are seeing from exhibitors for 2020, illustrates just how vital it has become in three short years to the international wine and spirits business. The show remains the single best opportunity for U.S. importers, distributors, sommeliers and other trade professionals to meet hundreds of international producers in one location.”

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.vinexponewyork.com.

About Vinexpo

Vinexpo New York Returns to the Big Apple March 4-5, 2019

November 7, 2018 by evebushman

NEW YORK – Returning for its second year, Vinexpo New York – the leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America – will take place March 4-5, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The exhibit is strategically organized to ensure the creation and growth of business relationships between international producers and American importers, distributors, retailers, brokers, e-commerce representatives, on-trade buyers and sommeliers. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through Nov. 30, 2018.

Jointly organized with Diversified Communications, Vinexpo New York is open exclusively to trade professionals and features two days of business meetings, educational conferences, master classes, tastings and networking events. Mary Larkin, executive vice president of Diversified Communications remarked, “After the remarkable success of Vinexpo New York 2018, we are thrilled to partner with Vinexpo for another year and welcome back the international wine and spirits industry to the world’s largest wine-consuming market.”

Signature offerings like Vinexpo’s complimentary One to Wine Meetings matchmaking service will return to New York in 2019, and exhibitors and attendees can also look forward to new features like WOW! World of Organic Wines, an exhibit and tasting area devoted exclusively to organic and biodynamic wines and spirits from around the world. Complete 2019 programming will be announced shortly.

“As last year’s exhibit showed, the demand to break into the U.S. market is greater than ever before,” said Christophe Navarre, president of the Vinexpo Supervisory Board. “With a list of exhibitors that is constantly expanding, Vinexpo New York will once again be the single best opportunity for U.S. importers, distributors, sommeliers and other trade professionals to meet hundreds of international producers in one location.”

Exhibitors at Vinexpo New York will represent wine-producing regions from around the globe, including many that are introducing products to the North American market for the first time. To date, countries returning to exhibit include: Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Italy, as well as Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain and the United States. New to the 2019 show floor, thus far, are exhibitors from China, Romania and Serbia.

For more information or to register to attend, visit https://www.vinexponewyork.com/.

About Vinexpo

Vinexpo Bordeaux Shows Ambition

October 10, 2018 by evebushman

The 20^th edition of Vinexpo Bordeaux, which takes place from Monday 13 to Thursday 16 May 2019, has announced several new features to provide a unique welcome to the world and highlight its position as a strategic show.

Photo: VinExpo in Hong Kong, a past event, from the VinExpo Facebook page.

A true partner for the sector, Vinexpo Bordeaux brings together all stakeholders in the world of wines and spirits. Over 40,000 trade visitors from 150 countries are expected to come and discover the diversity of products presented by 2,000 international exhibitors.

This major calendar event is also a key opportunity for the region in terms of the economic impact and publicity associated with the event.

A Drive for Performance

Vinexpo is the only independently organised show entirely devoted to the wine and spirits industry. In 37 years, Vinexpo has gained a unique understanding of the market and gathered a huge global network of influential distributors. The brand now organises events in four cities around the world: Bordeaux, Hong Kong, New York, and soon Paris in January 2020, as well as a touring event, Vinexpo Explorer.

“Vinexpo is continuing to expand internationally and Vinexpo Bordeaux is the Group’s cornerstone. This is our flagship and it will receive even more resources for 2019”, confirmed Patrick Seguin, President of Vinexpo’s executive board and Chairman of the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce. “To do this, we wanted to develop an unprecedented synergy with our local partners. By pooling our strengths and solutions, we will be contributing to our customers’ success through several new initiatives and innovations which we’re launching.”

New 14,000m² hall and easier visitor mobility

Following the Bordeaux Métropole decision and in agreement with the Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the planned investment scheme to refurbish the exhibition hall has been accelerated. For its 2019 edition, the show will be housed in a new facility replacing Hall 2 (cost: €34.7 million). This initiative will continue in the next few years with the gradual renovation of Hall 1.

At the same time, a new facility will be set up for reception and access to the exhibition. Attendees will be able to use the Vinexpo Citypass. This pass gives free access to the TBM (tramway and bus) network and offers numerous advantages so they make the most of their stay in Bordeaux (free entrance to the Cité du Vin, some of the city’s museums etc.). There will also be a special reception and information stand at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport and at the Bordeaux Saint-Jean railway station.

Extensive promotion for 2019 with an expanded content and new developments

“Vinexpo Bordeaux is packed with exciting attractions that we will be promoting intensively abroad. Increasing the number of buyer contacts and the event’s commercial role, offering insights into today’s key challenges and shining the light on French hospitality will confirm Vinexpo Bordeaux as the industry’s strategic trade show, where the future of the business is built. To deliver this strategy, we have decided to add several new features”, indicated Christophe Navarre, President of the Vinexpo Supervisory Board.

The first Symposium Vinexpo will be organised in association with the Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This event will provide answers to the major challenges facing the industry. The theme for this year will look at the impact of climate change on the wine and spirits industry. The scientific, technical and economic aspects will be considered during talks taking place throughout the day on 14 May. This topical issue will be examined by representatives from the French Wine and Vine Institute and its international experts.

With the support of the AANA (Nouvelle-Aquitaine Food Agency), the regional authority will be organising a “food meeting” during Vinexpo Bordeaux, to attract new catering buyers to the show.

Another initiative is Les Diners du Palais (Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May). Exhibitors at Vinexpo Bordeaux will be able to invite their guests to the sophisticated venue of the Palais de la Bourse. Their own wines will be served as they dine, paired with a menu designed by a Michelin-starred chef. This new service supports customer relations and communication at the show.

Meeting end consumers is an increasingly important aspect of sales and prospecting for new customers. This is why wine enthusiasts will, for the first time, be able to sample a selection of the international wines and spirits at Vinexpo, at La Grande Dégustation (tasting event) to be held at the Palais de la Bourse on the evening before the show: it will be open to the general public.

USA and China drive the world’s wine market, along with a global love of bubbles

March 25, 2018 by evebushman

Bordeaux – The upturn in the value of world wine consumption is set for a record global market value of $224.5 billion by 2021, forecasts Vinexpo/IWSR in its annual forecasts for the wine and spirits sectors.

photo credit: Michel Jolyot

A comparison of the ten years from 2011 to 2021 shows that the value of the world wine market will grow 40% to reach volume sales of 2.66 billion 9-litre cases. Driving the recovery are the USA and China, the world’s two most powerful economies, whose joint growth in wine consumption offsets declines elsewhere, notably in Europe.

Over the next five years, China will become the world’s second largest market for grape wine behind world leader, the USA. Chinese consumption is expected to rise by over one third to $23 billion over the next five years when it will reach volume of 192 million cases. By comparison, in 2016 a volume leap of 8 million cases pushed the value of the Chinese wine market to $15.24 billion (growth driven almost exclusively by still wine).

The USA, the world’s most valuable wine market worth more than $36 billion in 2017, is poised to grow over 25% in the run up to 2021, reaching more than $45 billion.

A number of other factors for growth range from a global love of sparkling wine, a clear global trend towards premium brands, and strong sales of whiskey.

Sparkling wine is forecast to grow by an average 2% year-on-year to 2021, driven predominantly by North America, but also showing strong growth in the UK and Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia, Japan. Those two countries helped to push sparkling wine in Asia-Pacific to a total value of $2.79 billion in 2016 for 9 million cases. By 2012 that figure is forecast to rise to $3.73 billion (15.8 million cases).

Prosecco will outstrip other major categories such as Champagne and Cava by 2021 when world Prosecco consumption is set to reach 40 million cases. In the UK, the world’s largest sparkling wine importer, Prosecco is an outstanding success. Nonetheless, the USA is expected to show the most growth in consumption of Prosecco by 2021, while remaining number two behind the UK.

Champagne’s shift in focus from Europe to emerging markets looks set to accelerate. Europe’s share of global Champagne volume is forecast to have decreased by 4 percentage-points by 2021, from 80% recorded in 2016.

In keeping with the trend to “drink less but better” premium wines are forecast to drive global still wine consumption. The premium segment – wines selling for between $10 and $20 – is forecast to grow by over 60 million cases during this period. Standard brands ($5-$9.99) will grow just short of 32m cases, and super-premium-plus just short of 5 million cases. The biggest losses will fall below $5, where the global category is expected to lose 75 million cases.

In spirits, too, premium price points are generally performing better than value, with mainstream standard brands developing at a healthy rate.

Whisky is expected to perform particularly well, especially Scotch and US whiskey, and to a lesser degree gin and tequila. This development broadly reflects the premiumisation trend with premium-and-above segments growing the fastest. The US and China will drive global growth of premium-and-above spirits. Combined, they are expected to add 30 million cases in these price segments, compared to a net gain of 46 million cases globally.

Meanwhile, the power of the Asia-Pacific region and the role of Hong Kong as a major business hub is highlighted by projected regional growth over the next five years from $29 billion in 2016 to $40.8 billion by 2021.

Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo commented, “Since Vinexpo began tracking world data so many years ago we have witnessed the remarkable rise of the Asia Pacific region and its massive contribution to growth of the wine and spirits sectors. Being in Hong Kong since 1998 is a winning strategic choice that Vinexpo offers to its clients”.

The 20^th anniversary of Vinexpo Hong Kong exhibition will take place from May 29 to 31, where 1300 exhibitors from 28 countries will showcase their products to an expected 18000 visitors.

About Vinexpo
Vinexpo organises wine and spirits events for industry professionals acting as the sector’s international partner since its establishment, in 1981, on the initiative of Bordeaux Gironde’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Through its 35 years B2B experience the Group has developed an in-depth understanding of the market, as well as establishing strong relationships with key distributors across the world. It runs exhibitions in five set locations (Bordeaux, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and soon Paris), and one touring show (Vinexpo Explorer). Vinexpo thus covers the three continents with the highest consumption rates, and continues to be the market leader for wine and spirits events as the go-to forum for producers and buyers. The Group is expanding with two new exhibitions in New York (2018) and Paris (2020) and with Vinexpo Explorer (held in Austria in 2017) scheduled to take place in California in September 2018. Vinexpo’s successful expansion strategy is marked this year by the 20th anniversary celebration of its pioneering establishment in Hong Kong, in 1998, of the first ever wine and spirits exhibition in the region.

Vinexpo New York Expands Wine and Spirits Exhibition

November 11, 2017 by evebushman

NEW YORK – Vinexpo New York – the leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America, jointly organized with Diversified Communications – today announced that it has expanded the footprint of its March 5-6, 2018 exhibition, nearly doubling the original floorplan in order to accommodate demand. The event will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Open exclusively to the trade, Vinexpo New York, will feature two days of business meetings, tastings and conferences.

“In such a fast-evolving market, it’s the opportunity for the wine and spirits industry to meet and for producers to make strategic decisions for the distribution of their brands in the U.S.” said Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo.

To date, exhibitors from Australia, Austria, France, South Africa, Spain and the U.S. have registered, as well as from Argentina, Chile, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Moldova, Russia, Sweden and Uruguay. The current list of exhibitors is available here.

“We are thrilled by the response to Vinexpo New York. It is shaping up to be the must-exhibit, must-attend conference,” said Mary Larkin, executive vice president, Diversified Communications. “With a growing list of more than 115 exhibitors representing 16 countries, it is a testament to just how vibrant the North American market continues to be.”

Attendee registration is currently open at www.vinexponewyork.com/attend/. An early bird fee is available through Nov. 30.

About Vinexpo

Vinexpo was established in 1981 to organize wine and spirits events for the trade and act as the sector’s international partner. Vinexpo Bordeaux takes place in uneven years, while Vinexpo Hong Kong (formerly Vinexpo Asia-Pacific) has been held in even years since 1998. In 2014, Vinexpo expanded into the Japanese market with the launch of a third biennial fair, Vinexpo Tokyo. Vinexpo Hong Kong and Vinexpo Tokyo are now key events in the Asian wine and spirits trade calendar. In January 2017, Vinexpo initiated a new concept, Vinexpo Explorer, two days of business meetings and discovering vineyards. Vinexpo New York, which takes place for the first time on March 5-6, 2018, will open doors to the U.S. market for international exhibitors. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com. Join Vinexpo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Vinexpo Bordeaux and Wine Spectator to present ‘A Taste of Spain’ – Summer 2017

February 6, 2017 by evebushman

Exclusive tasting party pairs fine Spanish wines with foods by Spain’s top chefs; slated for June 19, 2017 in Bordeaux, France

NEW YORK – Vinexpo, the leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals, has partnered with Wine Spectator to bring an exciting new food and wine event – “A Taste of Spain” – to Bordeaux, France during Vinexpo Bordeaux 2017. The exclusive party will take place at the Palais de la Bourse in Bordeaux’s historic city center on Monday, June 19, from 8 to 11 p.m.

Watch the video from the 2015 event by clicking image above.

“A Taste of Spain is shaping up to be one of the most provocative and essential events of Vinexpo Bordeaux 2017,” said Vinexpo CEO Guillaume Deglise. “We’re proud to work with Wine Spectator to attract such a prestigious line-up of bodegas to the exhibition. Their presence will add a new dimension to Vinexpo parties and will offer great opportunities to international buyers throughout the show. The tasting itself will be a must for any Vinexpo attendee.”

A Taste of Spain will shine a spotlight on the great wines of Spain, Vinexpo Bordeaux’s “Country of Honor” in 2017. More than 100 Spanish bodegas have been hand-selected by Wine Spectator to present their wines. These will be paired with food prepared by 10 of Spain’s most celebrated chefs, selected by culinary co-chairs Ferran Adrià and José Andrés.

“Wine Spectator is pleased to partner with Vinexpo to showcase the wines of Spain, 2017’s Country of Honor,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “We believe A Taste of Spain will be a benchmark for the country’s wine industry. Featuring an unprecedented gathering of top producers and key chefs, this event will present the richness and diversity of Europe’s most dynamic culture of wine and gastronomy.”

“As Wine Spectator’s lead taster on the wines of Spain for more than 20 years, I have tracked the country’s dynamic evolution, in quality, style and diversity,” added the magazine’s executive editor, Thomas Matthews. “The wineries participating in A Taste of Spain have been selected by Wine Spectator to showcase the industry’s quality, diversity and history. In my opinion, no other wine region in the world has achieved such an impressive balance of tradition and modernity, revaluing ancient terroirs, exploring indigenous grapes, and using modern techniques to make exciting and distinctive wines.”

A partial listing of participating bodegas includes:

Aalto

Abadía Retuerta

Alejandro Fernandez

Alión

Altanza

Alto Moncayo

Alvaro Palacios

Áster

Baron de Ley

Belondrade y Lurton

Bodegas Aragonesas

Bodegas Barbadillo

Bodegas Franco Españolas

Bodegas y Viñedos Carlos Moro

Borsao

Campo Eliseo

Carchelo

Casa de la Ermita

Castaño

Cellar Vall Llach

Clos Mogador

Contino

CVNE

Dinastia Vivanco

Dominio Basconcillos

Dominio de Atauta

Dominio de Pingus

El Coto de Rioja

Emilio Moro

Farina

Fillaboa

Finca Allende

Finca Mas d’en Gil

Freixenet

Godelia

Gonzalez Byass

Gramona

Grans Muralles

Grupo Codorníu

Hacienda de Arínzano

Huerta de Albala

La Rioja Alta

LaFou

Lagar de Cervera

Lan

Luzón

Macan

Marqués de Caceres

Marqués de Griñon

Marqués de Murrieta

Marqués de Riscal

Marqués de Vargas

Mas Martinet

Matsu

Montecillo

Muga

Navarro Lopez

Numanthia

Pazo de Señoras

Perpetual

Pintia

Principe de Viana

Protos

Rafael Palacios

Ramon Bilbao

Rolland Galarreta

San Roman

Terras Gauda

Teso la Monja

Torres

Valdelosfrailes

Vega Sicilia

Viña Albali

Viñas del Cenit

Viñedos Alonso del Yerro

Viñedos de Paganos

Volver

About Vinexpo

Founded in 1981, Vinexpo is the world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals and a partner for the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Vinexpo is held in Bordeaux in odd-numbered years. Since 2006, Vinexpo Hong Kong (formerly known as Vinexpo Asia-Pacific) has taken place in even-numbered years, and in 2014, Vinexpo expanded to the Japanese market with the debut of Vinexpo Tokyo, also held in even-numbered years. The two have become key exhibitions of the industry in Asia. Before each exhibition, Vinexpo commissions studies on industry-specific issues and presents the findings in conferences around the world. Since 1999, it has produced a world market study with a five-year outlook, as well as a variety of trend reports. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com.

Launching a new brand: Vinexpo with bettane+desseauve

April 4, 2016 by evebushman

Vinexpo, the organiser of international wine and spirits events, and bettane+desseauve, the company set up by the two internationally renowned wine experts, are launching a new brand – Vinexpo feat. bettane+desseauve– at Vinexpo Hong Kong, which takes place from 24 to 26 May 2016.

This new event is designed to promote the talent of wine growers, revealing exceptional products, young and emerging producers, and rare and surprising wines.

Vinexpo feat. bettane+desseauve – will be launched at Vinexpo Hong Kong where some ten tasting sessions led by Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve are already planned.

At Vinexpo Bordeaux, from 18 to 21 June 2017, Vinexpo feat. bettane+desseauve, an event-within-the-event, will present a first-of-its-kind tasting experience.

The new brand will have its own independent life beyond the Vinexpo exhibitions, too: Vinexpo feat. bettane+desseauve will operate as a stand-alone brand on other occasions and can take on various potential formats.

Guillaume Deglise, Vinexpo’s Chief Executive, is delighted with this new initiative: “Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve are internationally renowned wine and spirits experts. They’ve built up a very special relationship with winegrowers through their multiple activities in the sector. The creation of the Vinexpo feat. bettane+desseauve brand puts winegrowing right back at the centre of our events.”

Thierry Desseauve and Michel Bettane stated: “We’re thrilled to be part of Vinexpo’s new impetus. The launch of this brand epitomises the energy of our two companies”.

About VinexpoVinexpo organises international events in Europe and Asia. Vinexpo Bordeaux is a major gathering for the entire industry – a key date for all wine and spirits professionals. In even-numbered years, Vinexpo Hong Kong brings together producers from all over the world attracted by the growing Asia-Pacific markets. And Vinexpo Tokyo is a niche event specially created for the Japanese market. Upcoming events: Vinexpo Hong Kong – 24 to 26 May 2016, Vinexpo Tokyo – 15 and 16 November 2016, and Vinexpo Bordeaux – 18 to 21 June 2017.

About bettane+desseauve

Established by journalists and wine critics Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve in 2005, bettane+desseauve aims to provide information and advice on wines for everyone – consumers and professionals alike. The company operates in three key areas: the media, events and recommendations within retail outlets. It produces wine supplements and columns for top French publications (Les Échos, Paris Match, Le Journal du Dimanche) and internationally (Germany, Italy, the UK, China, Korea). In June 2015 it launched its own magazine, EN MAGNUM, and it publishes the annual bettane+desseauve wine guide in France (Flammarion) and in China. For the last 10 years it has organised Grand Tasting Paris, a tasting event specifically dedicated to the public which has also been exported to London, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as creating Winelab, a trade-only event introducing the most innovative producers. The company also selects the best wines for Air France, Monoprix and Mercure hotels.

U.S. Wine Market Drives Growth in Global Consumption

February 23, 2015 by evebushman

NEW YORK – Feb. 2015 – With global consumption of wine on the rise, the U.S. is driving growth as the world’s largest wine market. This is among the key findings of an IWSR survey commissioned by Vinexpo, the world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals. IWSR is an authoritative source of analysis on the alcoholic beverage market, and its annual study for Vinexpo is unique in its inclusion of a five-year forecast of global market changes.

Consuming 312.5 million cases in 2013, the U.S. was the only market among the top 10 wine-drinking countries to show growth over the previous year. While the increase was lower than in preceding years, totaling five million more cases, its overall value was sustained by a shift in demand towards the higher end of the market.

Between 2009 and 2013, global wine consumption increased by 2.7% to reach a total of 2.648 billion nine-liter cases, the equivalent to more than 31.7 billion bottles. IWSR predicts that growth will accelerate by another 1% between 2014 and 2018 to reach 2.732 billion nine-liter cases (32.78 billion bottles).

A few key highlights from the study:

As Champagne consumption dips, other sparkling wines drive growth: In 2013, sparkling wines (excluding champagne) accounted for 8% of the world’s wine consumption – a figure that is expected to rise to 8.9% by 2018. Between 2009 and 2013, U.S. consumption of sparkling wines grew by 23%, and this should increase by another 15% between 2014 and 2018. Cava sales, spurred by growth in imports to Belgium, Nigeria and France, escalated by more than 100,000 cases in 2013. Prosecco exports doubled; in the U.K. alone, sales increased by more than one million cases.

Meanwhile, Champagne consumption fell by 1.4% globally in 2013, due primarily to shrinking demand in France, the U.K. and the U.S. Sales are rising, however, in several key countries, including Australia and Japan.

Red wine continues to dominate: Red wine represented 54.8% of all still wine consumed in 2013, even as reduced demand, primarily in China, drove worldwide consumption down by 19.8 million cases.

Rosé holds steady: Rosé is the wine category least affected by the 2013 slump in demand, with 2013 global sales at 219.1 million cases compared to 219.7 in 2012. Sales are thriving in the three primary rosé consumer markets: France, the U.K. and the U.S.

Import sales are robust: More than a quarter (29.5%) of all wine bottles consumed in 2013 were imported — a total of 720 million cases. Imported wines are expected to grow by another 6.1% by 2018, outpacing a predicted 3.5% increase in overall wine sales. Italy and Australia are the most important suppliers of imported wines to the U.S. market, with France in third place but on the rise as maturing American wine consumers are drawn to what is widely seen as the home of fine wine.

Spirits are rising, with Asia-Pacific the world’s top consumer: Global spirits consumption reached 3.069 million nine-liter cases in 2013, an increase of 19.1% from 2009. This growth is expected to continue at a 3% rate, reaching 3.18 million cases by 2018. Asia-Pacific accounts for 63% of the world’s total spirits consumption.

Whiskies and bourbons are back in vogue: Whisky and bourbon sales are projected to rise 8.8% and 19.3% respectively over the next five years. Russia, Brazil, Mexico, India and Poland are driving this rise, adding more than a million cases to their total consumption between 2009 and 2013.

Vodka consumption levels out: Although vodka holds its position as the leading “international” spirit (the #1 spirit, Baiju, is consumed mainly in China), demand is stabilizing. The current 492.7 million cases represent a rise of .5% since 2009, and IWSR research reveals that the tax increase imposed in Russia has significantly slowed growth in that country, turning young consumers to trendier alcoholic beverages.

Cognac and Armagnac find new markets: Cognac and Armagnac sales rocketed by 19% between 2009 and 2012, with demand flourishing in Asian markets. While 2013 growth in the region has been curtailed by the Chinese government’s anti-corruption legislation, five-year forecasts remain positive (+3.5%). Healthy sales are particularly expected in America, the biggest market for cognac exports.

About the Vinexpo/IWSR Survey

For the 13^th year running, Vinexpo has commissioned an annual study from market intelligence provider International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR) that has become a standard reference for professionals in the sector. This in-depth analysis of global consumption, production and international trade in wines and spirits covers the industry over a 10-year span, tracking developments since 2008 and forecasting changes through 2018. The survey covers 28 producing countries and 114 consumer markets.

Established in 1971, the IWSR database is the broadest, most accurate, and most detailed source of information on the worldwide alcoholic beverages market. The high quality of the survey is proven year after year, as comparison of projected and actual consumption figures display a consistently low margin of error of 2%. The latest report is the most accurate yet, thanks to additional sub-sectors not previously covered in IWSR’s field work and analysis.

About Vinexpo

Founded in 1981, Vinexpo has evolved into the world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals and a partner for the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Vinexpo is held in Bordeaux in odd-numbered years; since 2006, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific has taken place in Hong Kong in even-numbered years and has become the key exhibition of the industry in Asia. Before each exhibition, Vinexpo commissions studies on industry-specific issues and presents the findings in conferences around the world. Since 1999, it has produced a world market study with a five-year outlook, as well as a variety of trend reports. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com.

U.S. Named Country of Honor for Wine and Spirits Vinexpo 2015 in Bordeaux

December 4, 2014 by evebushman

The world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals, Vinexpo 2015 has designated the U.S. as its first-ever Country of Honor – a distinction that will give the American wine industry maximum exposure throughout the show. Themed “Taste the Unexpected,” Vinexpo 2015 will be held June 14-18 at Bordeaux’s Parc des Expositions, overlooking a scenic lake and just minutes from the historic town center and some of the world’s most storied vineyards.

Special events throughout Vinexpo 2015 will shine a spotlight on the U.S. wine industry. American wineries will be showcased in the center of the exhibition area, which will feature as many as 2,400 exhibitors from 44 wine- and spirits-producing countries around the world.

The Country of Honor designation acknowledges the U.S.’s ascendancy as the world’s top wine-consuming nation. A 2014 Vinexpo-commissioned study by International Wine and Spirit Research revealed that in 2011 the U.S. surpassed France and Italy to lead the world in wine consumption in both volume and value. The study, which analyzed results from 2007-2012 to forecast market trends through 2017, also reported the following:

· The U.S is the third largest wine importer worldwide, including still, light and sparkling wines.
· The U.S. is the fourth largest wine producer in the world and the sixth largest exporter.
· Between 2012 and 2016, American annual wine consumption is projected to grow by more than 12 percent, or 40.5 million cases.
· Consumption of spirits in the U.S. reached 190.87 million cases in 2011 (up 7.6% from 2007), and should increase by another 8.7% by 2016. Vodka, rum and bourbon are the top-selling spirits in the U.S. market.
· The U.S. is the world’s largest market for tequila, well ahead of Mexico.

A prominent U.S. presence among buyers and exhibitors
Held in Bordeaux every odd-numbered year, Vinexpo drew 48,000 professional visitors in 2013, of which Americans represented the second largest segment of international attendees. The U.S. continues to rank among the top 10 exhibiting countries, and the 2013 show was no exception with wineries from California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, New York, and Connecticut well-represented on the exhibition floor.

An American in “Little Paris”
Apart from a full schedule of workshops, conferences, and networking events, Vinexpo participants can spend their leisure time exploring this lively riverside city, nicknamed “Little Paris” for its classic stone architecture and cosmopolitan flair. The UNESCO World Heritage List has singled out Bordeaux’s historic center as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble,” whose myriad attractions include the 17-arch Pont de Pierre bridge, Public Gardens, the neoclassical Grand Theatre, a wealth of museums, and shop-lined Rue Sainte-Catherine – Europe’s longest pedestrian street. Venturing outside the historic center, visitors can tour the world’s second-largest wine-growing region, whose prestigious vineyards include, among others, Canon Fronsac, Saint Emilion, Médoc, Graves and Sauternes.

About Vinexpo
Founded in 1981, Vinexpo has evolved into the world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals and a partner for the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Vinexpo is held in Bordeaux in odd-numbered years; since 2006, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific has taken place in Hong Kong in even-numbered years and has become the key exhibition of the industry in Asia. Before each exhibition, Vinexpo commissions studies on industry-specific issues and presents the findings in conferences around the world. Since 1999, it has produced a world market study with a five-year outlook, as well as a variety of trend reports. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com.