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Vinexpo America 2023 wraps up with jumps in exhibitors and visitors

13 March 2023 By Roger Morris

In a few short years, Vinexpo America and its partner Drinks America have developed into the primary North American wine and spirits trade show for sellers to meet buyers.

In a two-day period last week at New York City’s Javits Center, 440 exhibitors from 32 countries poured wine, made presentations and had business meetings with top buyers and decision makers in North America, the largest beverage-alcohol-consuming market globally.

Attendance to the 2023 program grew by 28% year-over-year as well. Thought-provoking educational sessions and ample networking opportunities have secured Vinexpo America and Drinks America’s foothold as North America’s leading international exhibition exclusively for the wine and spirits trade. It represented a 30% jump in number of exhibitors, and attendance grew 28% over a year ago, drawing from 40 states, Canadian provinces and Mexican states.

“Strong attendance, the quality of exhibitors and the sheer demand for network and relationship building drives home the necessity and longevity of this event in the North American wine and spirits market,” said Beckie Kier, Diversified Communications’ group event director for Vinexpo America/Drinks America.

Vinexpo also gathered testimonials from both producers and importers and distributors: “The energy at Vinexpo is absolutely amazing, and it’s so exciting to be here to tell the story of the wines of South Africa,” said Mojalefa Mosia, marketing director, The Bridge of Hope Wines. “Many of the wineries in South Africa are small, so being here is a growth-opportunity for our country, industry and Black-owned businesses. We will be
back. This event is a win-win for everyone.”

French producers were back in large numbers. “This year’s turnout shows that the wine and spirits industry is booming – it’s back and better than ever,” said Jules Esposito, spokesperson for Touraine Vines Du Val de Loire, said. “We designed our booth to feel like a French bistro to encourage conversation over great wine and it did just that. A steady flow of people stopped by to learn more about Touraine – a huge opportunity for
exposure to key industry leaders.”

“It’s a triumph to get my team together in one place tasting the same wines and meeting with so many suppliers,” said Melanie Mann, principal category merchant, wine for Whole Foods Market. “The exhibition’s business matchmaking platform was amazing. I can’t say ‘yes’ to every meeting request that comes in during the calendar
year. But here it’s acceptable to give five minutes – I love the efficiency.”

Helen Mackey, senior vice president, marketing for Darden’s specialty restaurant group and a member of the event’s advisory board, said “The show allows us to make new discoveries. We meet importers and distributors to see what we can bring to our restaurants that other people don’t have.”

Dates for the 2024 New York event have not yet been announced.

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