Rodolphe Lameyse: ”Vinexposium has evolved into a powerhouse”

Vinexposium has expanded rapidly over the last few years. Here, Star Wine List interviews Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, about the journey and transformation.

(Partner story with Vinexposium)

“Vinexposium has evolved into a powerhouse that not only champions the global wine and spirits trade but also leads the way in shaping its future through innovation, collaboration and a steadfast dedication to excellence,” says Lameyse.

Vinexposium’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and Rodolphe Lameyse says that a pivotal moment occurred when they launched the Vinexposium group, a strategic merger that brought together Vinexpo and Comexposium's wine division.

“The transformation took place just before the onset of COVID-19, demonstrating our commitment to the industry's growth and resilience. Today, Vinexposium is a stronger structure, unwavering in its dedication to serving the global wine and spirits trade. We have cemented our position as an international commercial platform, driving change through innovative approaches,” says Lameyse, and continues:

“Our adaptability to the ever-changing landscape of the wine and spirits industry is patent. We have diversified our range and now offer a broad variety of formats, with approximately ten high-profile events a year, spanning the globe. We are deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and engagement among industry professionals, as exemplified by our continuous interaction and support through Vinexposium365.com, our dynamic digital portal.”

Partnering with Star Wine List

Vinexposium has also partnered with Star Wine List both as a media partner for the upcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris - and to bring Star Wine List's wine list awards to more and more markets. In March, Star Wine List celebrated the great wine lists of New York at Vinexpo America and in May, the celebration came to Vinexpo Asia in Singapore. Star Wine List's awards have attracted a great number of visitors, not least sommeliers, to the events.

Rodolphe, what are the future plans for Vinexposium?
“Our strategic approach revolves around a dual focus: consolidation and expansion. Our primary goal is to build upon the proven success of our flagship annual events, including Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, Vinexpo Asia, Vinexpo America, Vinexpo India, and the World Bulk Wine Exhibition in Amsterdam. These established events are instrumental in fostering industry connections and driving business growth.”

It is imperative to emphasize that Vinexposium is committed to being a steadfast ally of the wine and spirits industry

“Furthermore, we aim to open up new tasting perspectives, offering fresh opportunities for business development. To achieve this, we will continue to organize touring events like Vinexpo Explorer which serve as gateways to novel tasting experiences and market exploration.”

“It is imperative to emphasize that Vinexposium is committed to being a steadfast ally of the wine and spirits industry, available and engaged 24/7. Each of our initiatives is meticulously crafted to serve as a catalyst for promoting high-performance, sustainable growth within the sector. We pledge to continuously hone our event solutions and content to stay in sync with the evolving needs of industry stakeholders, becoming a voice for their aspirations.”

“Additionally, we are dedicated to growing and bolstering our community throughout the year via our digital platform, Vinexposium 365. This versatile tool is designed to be a valuable resource for professionals worldwide, offering substantial potential for networking and knowledge-sharing, regardless of geographical location.”

What do you view as important and current trends in the wine market globally?
“Certainly, premiumization stands out as a prominent global trend that can be seen in markets worldwide. Take Singapore, for instance, where the premium segment commands a substantial 42% share of total sales. This underlines the discernment shown by consumers who are increasingly valuing quality and exclusivity.”

“Additionally, e-commerce is a dynamic, influential force that continues to gain momentum. The digital space offers vast opportunities for growth, making it a pivotal aspect of the industry's future. The convenience and accessibility afforded by e-commerce platforms are reshaping how consumers access and purchase wine and spirits.”

“Moreover, the sparkling wine segment is poised for remarkable expansion, particularly in the United States. This shift highlights changing tastes and preferences and is stoking a burgeoning market for bubbles.”

Equally noteworthy is the emerging trend towards low-alcohol wines, which deserves close attention. As consumers increasingly seek lighter and more health-conscious options, wines with lower alcohol content are gaining traction. This trend aligns with a broader cultural shift toward moderation and well-being, presenting opportunities for innovative product development and marketing strategies.

What will be the focus for the upcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris?
“The upcoming fifth edition promises to be an extraordinary event, with a significant surge in international exhibitor participation expected. There will be an additional hall, a remarkable 28% increase in floor space, and representation from nearly 50 countries, so the event is set to be bigger and more diverse than ever before.”

“What makes the 2024 exhibition truly exceptional is the introduction of new product categories. For the first time, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a broader spectrum of beverages, including ciders, and no-alcohol or low-alcohol options, as they make their debut appearance in the Craft Pavilion as part of Be Spirits. This wider beverage choice reflects the changing preferences and tastes of consumers, making the event even more comprehensive and appealing to a diverse audience.”

What are you looking forward to the most for Vinexposium looking ahead?
“We have an exciting journey ahead, fuelled by the dynamic growth of our group. One particularly thrilling development on the horizon is our intensified focus on expanding our influence in the United States. In this respect, I am very much looking forward to taking over direct management of Vinexpo America, scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2024, in New York. This strategic move will empower us to leverage Vinexposium's extensive network throughout the region, cementing our presence in this pivotal market for wines and spirits. It marks the beginning of a new and promising chapter in our group's history in North America.”

“Also, I am greatly looking forward to the launch of our ground-breaking 'V d’Or' initiative. This pioneering move introduces the first-ever Business Awards by Vinexposium, set to debut in 2024. The awards ceremony is scheduled on the eve of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2024, promising to be a significant highlight of the event. The initiative underscores our commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence within the industry, strengthening our dedication to innovation and excellence in the world of wine and spirits.”