REVIEW: stability of visitor numbers at the trade fair this year
More foreign visitors and more importers
Millésime Bio has drawn to a close this year and the objectives set have been met: the trade fair has confirmed its position as leader on the organic wines sector. This year showed stability in visitor numbers with over 4 500 persons present, from 25 to 27 January 2016. The 23rd edition therefore showed the sustained interest in the event, with a notable increase in foreign visitors and importers.
Visitor side
In 2016, foreign visitors represented 25.5% of buyers against 22% in 2015. The growing enthusiasm of European markets for organic wines has been confirmed by a strong presence of European buyers from outside France (88.5% of the foreign buyers). The three best represented were Benelux* countries, which represented 16.6% of European visitors, followed by the Germans (11.25%) and the Scandinavians** (10.6%).
Wine merchants and importers were the best represented amongst professionals (respectively 18%, stable and 14.3%, higher than 2014).
Exhibitor side
873 companies were present this year. On the stands, some 15 nationalities were represented (i.e. 23% of exhibitors). The main foreign exhibitors were from Italy (9.5% of exhibitors) and Spain (6.2% of exhibitors). Producers from Central and Southern European countries presented the richest offer of organic wines at the trade fair, reflecting the dynamic global offer.
Save the date! Millésime Bio 2017 is set for Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2017,
at Montpellier Parc des Expositions!
