Asians out in force at Vinexpo

The growing influence of Asia on the global wine trade was once again in evidence at Vinexpo last week, with organisers reporting that no less than one foreign visitor in three came from the region.

China showed its strength and growing interest in wine by doubling the number of participants.

The major purchasers from Japan were well represented at the Bordeaux exhibition, while larger numbers of visitors were noted from Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and India.

Robert Beynat, CEO of Vinexpo, said: “The number of visitors from Asia exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. The Asian presence confirms our research on the outlook for world wine and spirits business.”

The second big development was the return of business interest from the UK and US.

The UK recorded the second largest number of foreign visitors, followed by the US. Canada, represented by buyers from the national monopolies, was in fifth place.

Mike Harrison, sales development director of Berry Bros & Rudd, said: “We got off to a busy start and noted that a good 50% of stand visitors were from Asia.”

William Wemyss, group CEO of Wemyss Malts and Darnley’s View Gin, said: “We saw a high quality of visitor from countries such as Canada, Russia, Scandinavia and Spain asking sensible questions and clearly knowing what they wanted.”

Bethany Frick, buying director for US company Total Wine & More, added: “We met more than 200 producers and signed contracts for exports to the US involving 50 products.”

Among visitors from European countries, buyers from Germany and Belgium were a notable presence, as well as Dutch, Russians and Swiss.

The number of visitors from France was similar to 2009 (more than 30,700) as it was for other European countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal.

A full debriefing on the year’s international trade shows will appear in the July edition of the drinks business.

Alan Lodge, 29.06.2011