Show organisers and government officials praised the industry for its strength at the official opening ceremony

The ribbon cutting ceremony, presented by Vinexposium’s CEO Rodolphe Lameyse and attended by Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Marc Fesneau, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, united the wine and spirits industry together yesterday morning.

Mr Lameyse underscored the importance of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2023, which expects to welcome 30,000 professionals from more than 100 countries, as the number one trade show for the export of French wine and spirits. He praised members of the industry for their resilience, saying “Thanks to your courage and determination we have managed to overcome the hardest challenges.”

Minister Delegate Becht then addressed the crowed in Hall 2. He began by applauding the French wine and spirits industry for their performance as one of the country’s leading exports. Despite the many challenges of the past few years, the minister struck a positive note on the future, in particular highlighting a more favourable trade climate with the United States and Australia. “I am honoured to be here. Thank you for everything you do and who you are. I wish you an excellent show”, he said before passing the microphone to Minsiter Fesneau.

The Minister described France’s wine and spirits industry as the “motor of our territories”, a symbol of the country’s terroir and heritage which is recognised around the world and by the likes of UNESCO. He went to stress the industry’s importance in conquering international markets and as a form of soft power which contributes to the brilliance of France’s international image.  Finally, he stressed “The state is by your side”, highlighting the support of Taste France and French embassies around the world, as well as the government’s role in fighting climate change.