Vinexpo Nippon to return in 2016

Vinexpo Nippon will be repeated in 2016 after its debut this year in Japan, the Vinexpo Overseas supervisory board has confirmed.

The first Vinexpo Nippon, dedicated to the Japanese wine market, was held in 2014.

The board unanimously agreed to hold the trade fair – dedicated to the Japanese market – for a second time.

Guillaume Deglise, Vinexpo’s CEO: said: “Our aim in launching this new exhibition format is to strengthen Vinexpo’s image internationally. The presence of high-profile brands plus the prestigious masterclasses and a highly qualified visitor profile make Vinexpo Nippon a premium showcase for a unique market.”

Japan is one of Asia’s most mature markets and Vinexpo said it was “upbeat as to its development potential and sustainability.”

The first Vinexpo Nippon took place in November at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in Tokyo.

Over two days, the fair welcomed 3,200 visitors and more than 500 exhibitors including leading brands from Chile, France, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Australia and South Africa.

Other top producers in attendance included Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Joseph Drouhin, Clarence Dillon, Angelo Gaja, Miguel Torres, Montes and Kendall-Jackson.

Of those visiting the trade fair, a high proportion were importers (28%) followed by wholesalers (13%), horeca buyers (19%) and retailers (11%). Of those visiting, 85% were Japanese with the remainder from Taiwan, India, China and Singapore.

The dates of Vinexpo Nippon 2016 will be published in the coming months.