Japan readies for 2016 Vinexpo Tokyo

The world’s wine and spirits trade will converge on Tokyo in a little over a week for the 2016 edition of Vinexpo Tokyo, with several big name exhibitors taking up a stand at the show for the first time.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan

Taking place on 15 and 16 November, the show offers producers to connect with the growing Japanese market.

Japanese wine imports last year hit 2.7 million hectoliters worth ¥176 billion (€1.4bn), with increases in volume and value compared with 2014 of 3.6% and 4.2% respectively.

Japan is the second biggest wine market in Asia and the biggest market for imported spirits, while it also has an extensive and diverse distribution network.

Vinexpo Tokyo will showcase wines from 12 wine producing countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Chile and Germany, through the portfolios of hundreds of exhibitors.

Among them, Wines of New York will be attending the show for the first time with representatives from five wineries exhibiting, including the Botherhood winery, America’s oldest winery.

Wines of Moldova will also be travelling east to exhibit at the show for the first time, and will also hold a masterclass presenting its three wine producing regions; Valul lui Traian, Stefan Voda, and Codru.

Moldova currently produces some 110 million litres of wine on 114,000 hectares of vineyards. 90% of the wines made in Moldova are exported in over 50 countries around the globe, but are still a rarity on the Japanese market.

Sogrape from Portugal will introduce four wineries, not not yet represented in Japan: Vina Los Boldos from Calchapoal /Chile, Finca Flichman from Mendoza/Argentina, Bodegas Lan from Rioja/Spain and Framingham from Marlborough/ New Zealand.

Each of the four Sogrape wineries will launch several new brands and product ranges offering visitors a large choice of new wines to explore.

Click here to see the full list of Vinexpo Tokyo 2016 exhibitors.