Wine world lines up for Vinexpo Nippon

An international collection of winemakers and spirit brands have signed up to this November’s Vinexpo Nippon.

Leading brands from Chile, France, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Australia and South Africa have, according to Vinexpo, reserved stands at the Japanese show which will take place on 1-2 November at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in Tokyo.

Other top producers who will be in attendance include Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Joseph Drouhin, Clarence Dillon, Angelo Gaja, Miguel Torres, Montes and Kendall-Jackson.

Sparkling wines from Champagn to cava and Prosecco will also be strongly represented by Spanish group Codorniu, Louis Roederer, De Venoge and Mailly Grand Cru.

The likes of Glenfarclas, Beluga vodka, Martinique rums and the major sake and soju brands are included in the spirits line-up.

More than 5,000 visitors are expected as interest from Japanese trade professionals rises and as the fair becomes increasingly attractive to exhibitors.

As Vinexpo explained in a statement: “Japan is the second largest wine importer and leading spirits importing nation in Asia. Its economic vigour and its culture, a nexus of traditional and avant-garde trends, make it quite unique.

“Wines and spirits are popular with the Japanese and firmly anchored in the country’s consumption habits. There is a vast network of 178,000 sales outlets throughout Japan, so there are many opportunities in this market, which continues to display high growth potential.”