SOLUTIONS AND HIGH-QUALITY CONTACTS FOR EXHIBITORS

While the recent months’ upheavals in the winegrowing world have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for exhibitors, the majority reported a satisfactory level of business contacts by the end of the show and noted the presence of qualified visitors (business providers and national or international decision-makers from the vine and cellar sector, etc.). Professionals expressed a particular interest in solutions to improve techniques, automation and environmental transition, as well as new market prospects.

Regarding the international aspect, 80 countries were represented, with Spain, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland heading the bill. Other professionals represented the major export markets of Argentina, South Africa and Chile, for example, while delegations from Croatia, Georgia, Ukraine, Serbia and the UK offered new export opportunities for exhibitors.

The Show’s Manager, Emmanuel Viollet, commented: ‘The high level of positive feedback from our exhibitors confirms the key role the show plays in finding solutions and prospects. This highlight event is crucial to enabling the various sectors to come together in a period of crisis.’

A promising ‘Sales & Marketing’ sector

The 2024 edition saw the launch of a new sector devoted to sales & marketing (distribution, advice, marketing techniques, etc.). This latest addition is in pace with world market developments and emerging challenges (sales strategies and new consumer expectations, etc.) and will be further explored in the 2026 edition.

BANKING ON INNOVATION FOR THE FUTURE

This 24th edition demonstrated a steady and impressive momentum in industrial innovations guiding vineyard and cellar techniques, driven not only by regulatory changes but also by new consumer expectations. In terms of growing techniques, suppliers continue to offer alternatives to crop protection products and solutions for carbon footprint reduction on the path to environmental transition. Emerging trends also include the growing use of artificial intelligence and automation throughout the production process. 

INNOVATION FOR AN ATTRACTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

‘Is the glass half-empty or half-full?’ With a deliberately provocative title and a host of hard-hitting speakers, this inaugural conference on 26 November offered the packed audience an insight into the challenges of declining consumption and presented bold strategic solutions, including the modernisation of product image, market segment exploration and aligning products with young consumers’ expectations.

During the conference, Bernard Farges, Chairman of Vinitech-Sifel and President of the CNIV [French National Wine Trade Committee] called for innovation to win back young consumers: ‘Given the decline in demand for red wine and more generally the fall in wine consumption worldwide, we must promote our products, perhaps through different offers. Sure, we have our AOC and traditional wines that we know and love, but new consumers are not familiar enough with us. We need to address them with an appropriate pitch, innovative products and a new take on wine.’

With 70 sessions led by 100 experts, the conference programme attracted a wide audience of professionals from upstream and downstream sectors.  The topics explored, including adapting production to climate and societal change, product and crop diversification, or sustainability along the production chain, clearly illustrated the sector’s determination to look to the future.

SAVE THE DATE IN 2026

A word to all professionals: the Vinitech-Sifel show will return from 24 to 26 November 2026, at Bordeaux Exhibition Centre.

ABOUT THE VINITECH-SIFEL TRADE SHOW 2024