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wo years ago, on March 2 and 3, Vinexpo New York was the last professional event to be held in the wine world ten days before it closed and right in the turmoil caused by the 25% tax which penalized French imports.
Reuniting after such a long absence, is that the reason for the good atmosphere that reigned in the busy aisles? Or simply the lifting of the mandatory mask, which took place two days before the start of the show in the United States?
At Human scale
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The fair is striking in its modest dimensions, four or five aisles which end at the end of the hall with the conference and master-class areas, all well filled.
For the 380 exhibitors, from 31 countries, the stands are practically identical and small in size, which allows you to see the entire show without racking up the miles. The groupings by country stand out, Georgia and Chile, Japan in the Drinks section. And France, which features prominently at the entrance with the “Taste France” pavilion under the leadership of Business France, which allows exhibitors to come with a turnkey stand and a controlled budget.
Emmanuel Vergely, export manager at the Bestheim winery, returns thanks to this facility, looking for additional importers, especially for crémants d’Alsace because he believes in the place they can take next to cavas and proseccos. and faced with the increasing prices of champagnes because “It’s French, it’s a traditional method and it’s good” all under $20.
Bev Zero, world specialist in dealcoholization, presents the products of its producer customers in order to find new ones.
We regret that the WOW section dedicated to wines certified in an environmental approach is reduced and poorly signposted. We hope that it will resume its beautiful green color during its Bordeaux section scheduled for June 22 and 23.
Visitors are obviously very professional. They come from 44 American states, plus Mexico and Canada. They represent the American market, with its organized system following prohibition between three third parties, importers, distributors and resellers (retailers or restaurateurs) and came with specific objectives.
We see a buyer going around the stands looking for a chenin blanc. Cyril Rouchon, who represents the Bordeaux wine merchant Maison Montignac, well established in the United States, is delighted with his visit, because he saw who was there and hopes to take a stand next year.
Rodolphe Lameyse, director of Vinexpo, is delighted with the association established since 2019 with the American partner Diversified Communications, which makes it possible to meet the specific requirements of the country. He explains the interest of Drinks America which will capture a new audience and new exhibitors via spirits: “There are a lot of novelties, young and old who are getting into this field. And spirits are a major pillar in France”. De-alcoholized wines and spirits, cocktails, ready-to-drink “Ready To Drink” RTDs, well present at Drinks America, are just as important.
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