Vinitaly closed last month with a total attendance of 93,000 (29,600 international). Growth compared to the last edition was almost entirely thanks to international buyers (about +20%) from 143 countries, representing one-third of total accredited operators.
The figures include more than 1,000 top buyers selected and hosted by Veronafiere and ICE-Trade Agency. Vinitaly and the City, the ‘off-show’ event this year was again organised entirely by Veronafiere. It also posted more than 45,000 tastings (+50% compared to 2022) by wine lovers in the historic centre of Verona.
The next Vinitaly is scheduled for 14-17 April 2024.
“Today sees an at-last fully functional Vinitaly close its doors after choral involvement of sector operators, the press and institutions,” said Veronafiere president Federico Bricolo. “We are delighted with the feedback we are receiving from companies and territories, since they are the true strength of this event.
“Our goal is to build a permanent and coordinated promotional platform together with institutional partners. The aim is to attract incoming investments into Italy, on the one hand and, on the other, to push Italian products abroad as Veronafiere – after Brazil and China – also sets up strong roots in the US, Japan, South Korea and the Far East.”
Veronafiere MD Maurizio Danese added: “Our investments to stimulate incoming international attendance achieved initial and very effective results for a Vinitaly that we want to become increasingly vital for the business of exhibitors who set aside important resources to take part in the event. The matching of supply & demand worked very well, as demonstrated by more than 11,000 scheduled appointments between exhibitors and buyers through the ‘Vinitaly Plus’ platform, in addition to those set up directly between companies and buyers.
“The new approach has begun but it is certainly not finished: Vinitaly will always be the driving force behind ‘Made in Italy’, both at home and abroad, provided that the event thinks in terms of the development of the sector and its companies. This is precisely what we are trying to do.”
Among the top five countries of origin, the US moved well ahead of Germany. The UK retained third place, while China resumed fourth place by overtaking Canada. The general growth of the European market was also matched by the impressive return of operators from all non-EU markets: Asia more than doubled (+116%), driven by the return of the Chinese (more than 1,000 attendees) and Japan (+143%). The Americas posted +38% with excellent results from the US (+45%) and Brazil (+46%), as well as further consolidation for Canada (+19%). Even Australia posted a three-figure performance, at +130%
As the show in Verona closed, so Vinitaly’s stages in China swing into action. With the support of the ICE Trade Agency, the first date is Chengdu (April 11). Emphasis must be given to the opening masterclass with the only Chinese expert sommelier Yang LV, as well as a business forum – organised by the Wine to Asia subsidiary – with one of the most influential platforms dedicated to wine in China: Wine Sommelier. We then move on to Shenzhen on April 14 with the Italian Pavilion at the Hainan Government Fair, for a tasting and presentation of Italy during Wine to Asia (11-13 May), together with ICE Trade Agency and the Altagamma Foundation. Veronafiere’s international event in Shenzhen is expected to attract more than 450 exhibitors from 20 countries.
