Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo Passion and innovation. Vinexpo New York is the opportunity for the wine and spirits industry to meet, and for producers to make strategic decisions for the distribution of their brands in the U.S. Wine, to me, is also about sharing an experience. There’s nothing better than opening a bottle of wine or popping of bottle of Champagne with good friends.
by Antonella Iozzo
Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo. Passion and innovation for the brand Vinexpo. By the action of Guillaume Deglise, the brand Vinexpo has remained the European reference with its Bordeaux edition, and Vinexpo Hong Kong has established itself as the leader in Asia. Three new key events have also been created: Vinexpo Tokyo (since 2014), Vinexpo New York (1st edition in 2018) and Vinexpo Explorer, a new generation of convention for international buyers.
Guillaume Deglise, first of all, what’s your “wine story”?
Wine is not only my work, it is my passion. With so much going on in the industry, there are endless opportunities for me to explore and discover new regions, new grape varieties and new styles. Meeting winemakers and visiting wineries are hands down my favorite part of the job.
I learn so much with each trip, and in the process, create unforgettable memories. Wine, to me, is also about sharing an experience. There’s nothing better than opening a bottle of wine or popping of bottle of Champagne with good friends.
What’s the concept of Vinexpo? And what are the expectations?
Open exclusively to trade professionals, Vinexpo New York is a wine exhibition that has been designed in a two-day format. In such a fast-evolving market, it’s the opportunity for the wine and spirits industry to meet, and for producers to make strategic decisions for the distribution of their brands in the U.S.
The list of exhibitors is robust, with over 490 wine and spirits producers participating from 23 countries. Their involvement will enable them to enter or grow in the U.S. market, improve their distribution, and launch new products.
Expectations for Vinexpo New York are high and we are confident that it will be a huge success. The United States is the number one consuming market in the world, and interest in imported wines – especially among Millennials – is at an all-time high.
Guillaume Deglise, which are the peculiarities of Vinexpo New York 2018?
Differing from Bordeaux, Hong Kong and Tokyo, Vinexpo New York is specific to the U.S. market with attendees interested exlusively in doing business in North America. The exhibition has been developed into a short and efficient format with 700 One to Wine meetings. Also a departure from Bordeaaux and Hong Kong, Vinexpo New York will be held annually in partnersdhip with Diversified Communications. The event format will feature 500 exhibitors and conferences and master classes that are dedicated entirely to trade professionals.
What is Vinexpo New York commitment in the future of wine in America?
The goal of Vinexpo New York is to introduce new brands to the market and help producers enter the U.S. It’s also committed to educating attendees by providing insight and industry know how through a robust schedule of conferences and master classes. For example, two of the six conferences will provide insight on the shifting patterns of consumption (in the U.S. and globally,) and production, focusing on the effects of climate change. Another panel of experts will focus on the purchasing power of Millennials and the rise of e-commerce.
Is there a link between the Vinexpo New York and Vinexpo Hong Kong?
Yes! The Vinexpo Group is the link as the leading international partner to the wine and spirits sector.
Both Vinexpo New York and Vinexpo Hong Kong are trade-only exhibitions with a wide range of producers. Visitors to both expos are also similar. In Hong Kong, 76 percent are decision-makers.
New York and Hong Kong both offer interesting tastings of iconic wines and welcome renowned winemakers, as well as conferences and expert panels to discuss hot topics.
What are the biggest wine trends in the USA?
According to the 2018 IWSR Report, the United States is one of two countries – China being the other – driving the world’s wine consumption. As the #1 consuming market in the world, it is performing quite well.
In 2017, the United States was expected to lead world wine volume growth for its 23rd consecutive year and by 2021, it is forecasted to become the world’s most important export destination for sparkling wines. At present, the U.S. is a key generator of growth in the spirits category. In volume, whiskey consumption in the United States is growing and is forecasted to continue through 2021. At the same time, global demand for U.S. whiskey remains strong, primarily due to increased marketing, growing awareness, and a trend towards classic whiskey-based cocktails.
What is the perception of Italian wines in the USA and in particular in New York?
The latest IWSR Report shows that Prosecco is expected to grow most in the United States, so the country is forecasted to become the category’s second-largest export destination, behind the United Kingdom. To be exact, consumption of Prosecco in the U.S. is expected to reach 7.7 million 9L cases in 2021.
Though Italian still wines may continue to dominate the U.S. market, imports of the wine are expected to decline in the coming years, from 25.5 million 9L cases in 2016 to 24.2 million 9L cases in 2021.
What is your advice to Italian producers looking to export their wine to the USA?
Come to Vinexpo New York next year – March 4-5, 2019! The exhibition speaks to foreign producers looking to break into the U.S. market in the most efficient way possible.
di Antonella Iozzo ©Riproduzione riservata
(02/03/2018)
Bluarte è su https://www.facebook.com/bluarte.rivista e su Twitter: @Bluarte1
