Preview - Vinexpo Bordeaux 2009
By just-drinks.com editorial team | 22 June 2009
Hardly has the London International Wine Fair & Distil disappeared over the horizon and Vinexpo is upon us.
Vinexpo, still the largest wine trade fair in the world, officially opened its doors in Bordeaux yesterday (21 June) in the shadow of the worst economic downturn the world has seen for a generation or more.
French agriculture minister Michel Barnier delivered the necessary fighting talk at the opening ceremony. "It is no use acting like an ostrich in times of crisis," he said, calling on the industry to "fight for new markets".
Organisers have been quick to point out that all stand space for this year's show has been filled, with a record number of countries represented. Xavier de Eizaguirre, appointed chairman of Vinexpo last year, believes that there is "more need to talk" during hard economic times.
just-drinks will be embarking on a whistle-stop tour of Vinexpo through 24 and 25 June. If you'd like to meet up or have news to pass our way, drop us a line.
Companies: Vinexpo
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There is currently 1 comment on this article
I paid a whistle stop tour to Vinexpo yesterday. Exhibitors are convinced that the fair is less and less important every 2 years, as buyers operate more and more remotely.
Tiny margins and businesses up for sale were the major topics of conversation.
Moreover, there was nothing terribly innovative from any of the wineries, no great pointers to the future.
I think 2010-11 will see not only consolidation, but a whole new approach to making margin, otherwise half these exhibitors won't make it through the next 2 years without subsidies.
Paul Foulkes-Arellano
Wren & Rowe Brand Consultants, London
pfoulkes said at 5:38 pm, June 23, 2009
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