PRESS RELEASE ‐ SEPTEMBER 2016 VINISUD 2017 OFF WE GO FOR THE LEADING FAIR SHOWCASING SOUTHERN WINES As the first edition of a now annual event, Vinisud 2017 will take place on 29‐31 January at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre. Wine trade councils, federations, estates and top names in Mediterranean wines will all be present. MOBILISED STAKEHOLDERS Aware of the importance of this major gathering, organised with them and for them, the industry’s key stakeholders ‐ wine councils, federations, small‐ and large‐scale producers ‐ have confirmed their intention to attend the 2017 Vinisud exhibition: With 5 months still to go, 475 producers have already signed up. Producers’ groups include: For France, Languedoc Wine Trade Council (CIVL), Roussillon Wine Council (CIVR), Inter Oc, South West France Wine Trade Council (IVSO), Aquitaine Agribusiness Promotion Agency (AAPrA), Bergerac and Duras Wine Council (IVBD), Inter Rhône, Provence Wine Council (CIVP); for Spain, Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), Terra Alta Designation of Origin Regulatory Board (CRDO), Castilla la Mancha region; for Italy, Moscato d’Asti, Corvezzo, Azienda Principi di Spadafora; and not forgetting Portuguese and Greek producers, including Olkas Greek Wines & Spirits. By taking part in the leading fair for Southern wines, with a shared commitment to move forward and become stronger together, we can prepare ourselves to address emerging issues and meet tomorrow’s challenges collectively. MEDITERRANEAN BUSINESSES HAVE THEIR SAY 3 buzzwords sum up Vinisud ‐ expertise, discovery and sharing, along with 1 ambition ‐ to be the international showcase for Southern wines for 3 days and 1 motto: ”Passionately Mediterranean”. A vision shared by all stakeholders involved… ”Since its creation, Vinisud has played a key role in promoting Languedoc wines. Every edition is a win‐win situation for our companies which meet buyers with a growing interest in our appellations. For Languedoc, it’s the first professional gathering event of the year, an opportunity to show off our new vintages in our own backyard. With 5 months still to go before doors open, around a hundred companies have already registered”, explains Jérôme Villaret, Executive Officer ‐ Joint Trade Council for Languedoc AOC and Sud de France PGI wines. “The timing of the Vinisud exhibition suits us well. After the end‐of‐year celebrations, it’s an opportunity for us to introduce the year’s new releases to our traditional clientele (agents and hospitality industry wholesalers). It also enables us to preview the new vintage, which is officially launched in early March. Where previously we mainly met our French clients here, the move to an annual event will allow us to meet up with European customers”, points out Thomas de Lagarde, Directeur Général Vin – Wine General Manager at Vignobles de Berne. “In recent years, Spanish wine exports have experienced a meteoric rise, with the quality and variety of the product offering as the main drivers of this growth. The presence of Spanish bodegas at major international wine fairs is vital in supporting this trend, as it raises the profile and promotes the value of their products. In 2016, Vinisud hosted a large contingent of bodegas, some of them exhibiting together at the Spanish Wines stand, highlighting the presence of Spain’s producers. Now set to become an annual event, in 2017 Vinisud will take place right at the start of the year, enabling the bogedas to showcase both their new vintages and wines currently enjoying great success in export markets: rosés, Cava and organic wines in particular…”, is the verdict of Michel Budai, Agrifood and Wine Department Manager ‐ ICEX Spain. With 1,650 exhibitors and 31,000 visitors, 28% from abroad (in total 9,000 buyers from 70 different countries in 2016), Vinisud is the benchmark international fair for wines produced in countries around the Mediterranean and has one primary goal: to drive sales effectively. With a committed and enthusiastic team, fully focused on action, Vinisud dedicates itself day‐in, day‐out to serve the needs of everyone involved in the industry. Contacts Adhesion Group / Press Office Catherine Bourguignon / Tel. : +33 (0)1 41 86 41 27 / Email: [email protected] Fabrice Rieu – Vinisud President Ahmad Monhem – Vinisud General Commissioner www.vinisud.com ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR HEALTH. CONSUME WITH MODERATION.