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Vinexpo America 2024 brings the world of wine and spirits to New York

11 June 2024 By Michael Huband

Producers and attendees are preparing for Vinexpo America 2024, which promises to showcase both well-known regions and undiscovered gems.

Vinexposium returns to the US East Coast, with Vinexpo America 2024 running at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York on 24 and 25 June. Now in its sixth year, the US show continues Vinexposium’s global mission of connecting the world’s drinks industry. It follows events in Paris and Hong Kong earlier this year, with shows in Mumbai and Amsterdam also booked for 2024.

Recognising the key position of the USA in the global trade, Vinexpo America promises to connect producers with the market’s buyers, distributors and decision-makers. The USA represents the single largest market for alcoholic drinks in the world, worth $304.4 billion.

Even though it is a wine producing nation, it still offers ample opportunities for other nations. According to the US Department of Agriculture, wine imports to the nation were worth $7.5 billion in 2021. That is approximately equivalent, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine’s statistics for 2021, to the cumulative wine exports of Spain, Australia, South Africa and Chile.

The show therefore encompasses the entire world of wine production. Home-grown success stories from the US will of course be on show. There will also be a wide range of producers from the European powerhouses, France, Italy and Spain, and from South America.

One such producer, Georges Vigouroux, will be making the trip from Cahors, France. According to Tim Banks, the winery’s marketing director, the show is particularly useful for brands looking to break into the market: “Vinexpo America attracts the regional importers and distributors that provide smaller wineries with a more direct route to market. These direct relationships create opportunities and long-term business for smaller wineries looking to build a presence step by step.”

Beyond the major European players, however, the show is also ensuring that emerging regions and categories are well represented. Producers in Georgia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic will present their wines, and Armenian winemakers will appear for the first time.

Likewise, the programme of masterclasses reflects both the well-known and the undiscovered. There will be sessions on famous French regions such as Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley, but also masterclasses dedicated to Japanese beverages and undiscovered gems from Europe.

The programme does not end with wines. The show also welcomes spirits brands from all over the world. Producers will be showcasing whisky, rum and gin, as well as more niche categories such as shochu, fruit brandy and speciality liqueurs. Reflecting the expanding tastes of consumers and the need for retailers to have a comprehensive offering, the show will also present beers, ciders and low-and-no products.

To add value for its visits, Vinexpo America is also making canny collaborations. This year, the show will be co-located with the Summer Fancy Food Show, organised by the Specialty Food Association.

A New York fixture since the 1950s, the trade show presents a huge variety of foodstuffs for the US market. By placing themselves in the same venue, the two shows can synergise their offerings for visitors working in both beverages and food.

“Vinexpo America 2024 represents a key milestone in our strategy to connect the wine and spirits community globally,” summarised Vinexposium CEO Rodolphe Lameyse. “We aim to create a dynamic platform for our exhibitors and visitors that not only fosters business opportunities but also contributes to the ongoing growth and evolution of the industry.”

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