Exhibition Report, 4 December 2008

 VINITECH 2008: A REAL BUZZ

The 16th VINITECH Bordeaux – the only international event for the viticulture and wine production sector in 2008 – closed its doors on a highly positive note. Despite the current economic crisis, the wine industry gathered in Bordeaux on the 2, 3 and 4 December for the World Exhibition of Vines, Wines and Spirits Equipment and Techniques.

 VISITOR NUMBERS UP

Some 39,055 people thronged the aisles of Vinitech. “We were concerned that current economic climate might have a negative impact on attendance, so we are delighted to see such a large number of wine professionals,” stated François-Bernard Martin, General Manager of Vinitech during the closing press conference.

 VINITECH has consolidated its role as a truly international event with more than 15% of visitors coming from all over the world. The largest turnout was from Spain, followed by Italy, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, the USA and the UK, with contingents from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and Chile too. Exhibitors also noted a large turnout from Central and Eastern Europe, notably Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia.

 A POSITIVE BUSINESS OUTCOME

The return of a number of exhibitors in the Viticulture section meant that VINITECH showcased a truly exhaustive equipment offer, much to the visitors’ satisfaction. Manufacturers presenting their latest innovations were aware of winegrowers’ pressing need to upgrade their equipment.

 Exhibitors from Packaging and marketing are already signaling excellent results. They made good business contacts and wine growers have serious plans to invest in the coming year.

The Wine production area also has reason to celebrate: the number of visitors and leads generated exceeded initial forecasts, with deals being signed on the stands.

 VINITECH, A PLATFORM FOR DIALOGUE AS WELL AS AN EXHIBITION

The 2nd Ideas Forum, the meeting place for all branches of the industry and bringing together associations, experts and wine producers, was a resounding success. The different talk formats and the many issues addressed drew large audiences of wine professionals.

A good turnout too for Mondiaviti with more than 1000 attendees. The theme of this year’s international conference was the impact of the Grenelle environment forum and practical measures to be taken.

The 17th Vinitech takes place from 30 November 2010. Make a note in your diary today.

Vinitech press contacts:
Agence Greenwich - Emilie Loubié
Tel: +33 (0)1 58 05 10 78 / email: e.loubie@greenwich.eu

Congrés et Expositions de Bordeaux:
Marie-Sol Fournier & Patricia Moureuille
Tel: +33 (0)5 56 11 99 32 / email: presse@bordeaux-expo.com

Royalty-free photos can be downloaded from the online image library:
http://www.vinitech-bordeaux.com/