Vinexpo and Wine Paris seek greater integration for next year

The directors of trade shows Vinexpo and Wine Paris have said that their goal for next year’s Paris show is a more integrated event.

The show, held earlier this week in the French capital, was the first time Wine Paris and Vinexpo had partnered for a joint exhibition.

It was reported after the show that 2,800 exhibitors and 29,280 visitors had attended the three-day fair, a good proportion of them from outside of France – one third of the visitors in fact, with most coming from the UK, Belgium and US.

As the organisers said in a statement: “Bolstered by the success and satisfaction prompted by this first joint edition, Vinexpo Paris and Wine Paris are already preparing for 2021. Their single-minded objective is to improve and enrich the overall experience for participants – exhibitors and visitors alike.

“For 2021, their shared ambition is to establish an event with even greater international scope and diversify the markets represented, both nationally and internationally.”

The theme of greater integration of the two shows was a recurring one. Although feedback from exhibitors that the drinks business spoke to was overwhelmingly positive, it was noted by numerous visitors that there seemed to be a real difference between the Wine Paris halls and the Vinexpo ones.

Speaking to db on the second day of the show, Vinexpo’s managing director, Rodolphe Lameyse, said that the timing between the announcement of a joint show last May and then joint venture between Vinexpo and Comexpoisum last month meant there was “no time to make it [the show] more consistent but that’s the idea.

“I hope people see that it’s the beginning of something,” he continued, adding it was “the first moment where the future big family comes together.”

After 2021, he went on, “we will be one show, one experience. We have a lot to do to make it consistent and all part of one event not two as it is now.”

His opposite number at Wine Paris, Pascale Ferranti, likewise told db that the aim is to, “create one moment dedicated to the wine and spirits industry in Paris each February.”

Part of the change may include a new name for next year’s edition though other than the word ‘Paris’ there was no indication of what that might be just yet.

Much stress was also put on the international nature of the show, both in attracting more international visitors and also exhibitors.

“We need to develop the international side,” said Lameyse. “We can do better, we will do better. We are delighted to welcome and support international exhibitors.”

“The date is perfect,” added Ferranti, “and Paris is a strategic location for all.”

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