This year’s edition of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris kicked-off yesterday morning with a strong joint message about the wine and spirits industry’s courage and solidarity.

The official opening ceremony, presented by Vinexposium’s CEO Rodolphe Lameyse and attended by the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Julien Denormandie, brought organisers and key players from across the industry together. Mr Lameyse welcomed everyone warmly, saying: “Opening this event on Valentine’s Day is no coincidence. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our love of wine and spirits – a sentiment made stronger after going two years without a major event.”

He applauded this year’s 2,864 exhibitors for being here and creating a dynamic atmosphere, adding: “Now the stage is yours, I hope you have good meetings, make good business and that you live the next three days to the fullest.”

Addressing a large crowd at the heart of the event, Minister Denormandie praised the wine industry’s great courage in overcoming what he described as a ‘black year’ in 2021, with US taxes and freezing temperatures making matters worse. He praised everyone in attendance, saying: “Thank you all for coming because it wasn’t always evident that we would be able to hold this trade show. The reunion of the wine industry is a special moment to celebrate. Rest assured that we are here by your side for support and the love of wine, which I share.”

Special thanks was also given to the organisers of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2022 before both the minister and Mr Lameyse took to the floor to meet with industry representatives.