Event scheduled 10-13 April 2016 at Veronafiere

INNOVATION IS THE KEY WORD AT VINITALY 2016

The 50th edition of the International Wine and Spirits Exhibition is a showcase and meeting place for debate into the evolution of the sector and its future objectives, as seen through the wines presented by 4100 exhibitors, the requests of buyers from 140 countries and technical and service offering provided by Enolitech.

Verona, 8 April 2016 – "Innovation" in all its forms - product, process and consumption - is the keyword at Vinitaly 2016 (10-13 April 2016 – www.vinitaly.com). After achieving its 'quality' goals, the Italian and international wine sector must now identify its next target - and the events in the calendar on the opening day of the International Wine and Spirits Exhibition already outline the approach being taken.

"From our preferential vantage point," said Giovanni Mantovani, CEO & Director General of Veronafiere , "we have seen wine achieve average quality levels that were absolutely unimaginable until twenty years ago. Today, there is talk about ethical content, new technologies and changes in consumer trends - and these are all key areas at Vinitaly this year."

Interpreting the new reality in overall terms and indicating the starting point towards the next goal in the sector, Vinitaly - the business and discussion venue celebrating its fiftieth edition with more than 4100 exhibitors from around 30 countries (over a net exhibition area of 100,000 square meters) - welcomes professionals from 140 countries with a focus on "innovation" as the key to better understanding of the market.

Analysis of the kind of wine they producers want to make in relation to issues such as environmental protection, the social responsibility of companies, the promotion of biodiversity and native grape varieties is helping to bring about product innovation to enhance the ethical and social content of wine.

The evolution of the process involves the entire value chain: from vineyards themselves through more refined application of precision wine-growing to consumers, with the aim of improving quality, reducing costs and ensuring less impact on the environment.

The evolution of society as a whole is also bringing about innovation in wine consumption, with young people and digital communication as the driving forces for the future.

Innovation in all its aspects will be in the forefront of every stand at Vinitaly. The specialist Vinitalybio and Vivit shows (re-organized this year in Hall 8) focus on certified organic production and "artisan" wines - yet eco-friendly producers practising organic or similar approaches to sustainability, company ethics and vegan wines are to be found in all exhibition halls.

The promotion of native grapes, some of which have never been used to make wine before, also comes to the fore with the tastings organised by VIA-Vinitaly International Academy. Technological innovation, on the other hand, is the protagonist of conventions and Enolitech (in the expanded Area F), the specialist show hosting the most important producers of technical equipment and services.

New consumption trends on international markets are the focus topics of many meetings, including the b2b events organised by Vinitaly involving wine-makers and selected international buyers from 30 countries, not to mention appointments on social communication channels and on-line sales.

Veronafiere Press Office

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Web: www.vinitaly.com | www.solagrifood.com | www.enolitech.it

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