The 52nd edition of Vinitaly—the four-day international wine and spirit event held in Verona, Italy—attracted some 128,000 visitors from 143 countries. This includes a 6% increase from last year in accredited international buyers for a total attendance of 32,000.
This year’s focus on quality over quantity of visitors appears to be a step in the right direction for the trade fare, which in previous years has leaned more consumer-driven.
“Vinitaly 2018 confirmed its dedicated vocation to business and promotion of the wine world,” said Maurizio Danese, president of Veronafiere, which runs the conference. He attributed much of this year’s success to the Special Made in Italy promotion plan implemented by the country’s Ministry of Economic Development (MISE).
While a majority of the 4,380 exhibiting companies were from Italy, there were international selections of wine and spirits available from countries as far as Australia, Ethiopia and Uruguay. More than 70 tasting seminars were offered for all attendees over the course of four days during which buyers and enthusiasts could learn and network. Additionally, individual producers and trade organizations held various private “invite only” tastings.
“The 2018 edition has been very fruitful,” said Emilia Nardi, owner of Tenute Silvio Nardi in Montalcino, Tuscany. “I would compare it to the shows before 2008. The organization and attendance of foreign customers [this year] has improved greatly for us and is an important factor of success.”
Nardi, who has attended Vinitaly 33 times, added, “I never had a doubt that this is the number one show for us not to miss.”
Next year’s 53rd edition of Vinitaly is scheduled from April 7–10.
Published: April 20, 2018