Vinexpo Paris sees successful return

Trade show Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris welcomed 25,739 visitors from around the world at its comeback event this week.

In January, Vinexposium was anticipating 20,000 visitors to Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris, but exceeded this estimation with more than 25,000 guests.

The trade show returned to the French capital from 14 to 16 February after a two-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

Of the 25,739 visitors, 28% were from overseas, hailing from 109 countries. The top five international countries in attendance were: Belgium, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands and the US.

Importers, wholesalers and specialist distributors made up 51% of visitors, while 17% were from the hospitality sector.

A total of 2,864 exhibitors showcased their portfolios at the event.

Furthermore, the Vinexposium Connect digital portal received 19,350 meeting requests, registered from 1 to 16 February.

Spirits exhibitors enjoyed 61% extra floor space compared with the area’s debut in 2020.

During the opening ceremony, Julien Denormandie, the French minister for agriculture and food, recognised the event’s ability to elevate France’s international reputation.

Franck Riester, French minister attached to the minister for Europe and foreign affairs in charge of foreign trade and economic attractiveness, commended “the extraordinary success of this exhibition, supported by an industry committed to international development”.

Dates confirmed for 2023

The organiser of Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris, Vinexposium, has already confirmed the dates for next year’s event: 13 to 15 February 2023.

Vinexposium said its ‘single-minded’ ambition is to improve and enhance the business for all participants next year.