The Vinexposium group’s flagship event opened at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, marking the return of large-scale trade events after a two-year hiatus. The official opening ceremony, attended by Julien Denormandie, French Minister of Agriculture and Food, launched the three-day exhibition punctuated by tastings, business meetings, and the major reunion of every strand of the industry in Paris this February.
The Minister praised the courage and determination of the organizers and the attendees for staying focused in order to make the event a reality. He particularly wanted to send out a message of confidence to producers: “Rest assured that we are by your side to honor these wonderful products and a love of wine which I share and which I am delighted to see celebrated here at the exhibition”.
During the official opening ceremony, Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, stressed the significance for the wine and spirits trade of resuming business: “Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris in February is a key date in the buying calendar. Today, we are gathered here in Paris and it is a huge pleasure to meet up once again. May the celebrations continue!”
As the first round of business meetings set the tempo for the first day, the prevailing mood throughout the exhibition aisles on the eve of the second day was one of joy.
“What a feeling to attend the first international wine fair after two years. Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is already a success because it stuck to its original program. It was a bold decision. Respect…” comments Ilaria Ippoliti, export director at Tenuta del Buanamico.
“It’s the right time of the year for buying Northern hemisphere wines and Paris is so easy to get to from the UK », adds David Gill, Specialist Sales & Wine Development at Kingsland Drinks.
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris continues through to February 16 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The event is hosting 2,864 exhibitors from 32 countries, visitors from over 100 countries, and a program packed with 100 conferences, masterclasses, and panel discussions.
About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is the annual event for wine and spirits professionals from around the world. Hosted in February, it aims to offer a cohesive focal point for industry players centering on a comprehensive, relevant, and inclusive range of products that showcases not only French wine regions but increasingly vineyard sites across the globe.
