Bringing together 750 exhibitors and featuring more than 70 conferences over three days, Vinitech-Sifel 2024 marked another successful edition from November 26-28 at Bordeaux Exhibition Centre.
The show attracted over 37,000 dedicated professionals who gained valuable insights spanning the entire production chain, ensuring impactful collaboration and progress.
Driving innovation and collaboration
Professionals showed strong interest in solutions focused on improving techniques, automation, environmental transition and exploring new market prospects. Indeed, around 80 countries participated, led by Spain, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland, highlighting the global scope of the event. Furthermore, professionals from Argentina, South Africa and Chile visited the show, while delegations from emerging markets offered new export opportunities for exhibitors.
Emmanuel Viollet, manager of Vinitech-Sifel, emphasized exhibitors’ positive feedback, affirming the event’s vital role in addressing solutions and prospects collaboratively. He added that the event fosters unity among sectors during challenging times, highlighting its importance in driving progress and innovation amid industry crises.
The 2024 edition introduced a new sector dedicated to sales and marketing, focusing on distribution, advice and marketing techniques. In addition to addressing current needs, this new sector aligns with global market developments and emerging challenges in the industry. Moreover, it highlights evolving priorities such as sales strategies and new consumer expectations, ensuring relevance to shifting market dynamics. Looking ahead, this innovative addition will be further expanded and explored during the 2026 edition, showcasing its growing importance.
Innovations and sustainability in vineyard and cellar techniques
The 24th edition demonstrated steady momentum in industrial innovations, guiding vineyard and cellar techniques in response to evolving demands. Moreover, these innovations are driven by regulatory changes and, importantly, new consumer expectations, reflecting the changing needs of the market. In terms of growing techniques, suppliers continue to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional crop protection products, supporting environmental transition efforts. Additionally, solutions for reducing carbon footprints are gaining traction, highlighting the industry’s commitment to sustainability and long-term environmental responsibility. Emerging trends include the increasing use of artificial intelligence and automation throughout the production process, further enhancing efficiency and precision.
Innovation for a sustainable future
“Is the glass half empty or half full?” This set the tone for the inaugural conference on November 26. With a panel of inspiring speakers, the conference offered valuable insights into the challenges of declining wine consumption. Moreover, the event presented bold strategic solutions, such as modernizing product image, exploring new market segments and aligning with young consumers’ expectations.
During the conference, Bernard Farges, chairman of Vinitech-Sifel, stressed the need for innovation to regain young consumers’ interest in wine. He highlighted the decline in red wine demand, urging the industry to adapt with innovative offers that appeal to new consumers.
The conference attracted professionals from both upstream and downstream sectors, with 70 sessions led by 100 industry experts. Key topics explored included adapting production to climate change, product diversification, and sustainability, showcasing the sector’s forward-thinking approach to challenges.
The Vinitech-Sifel show will return to Bordeaux Exhibition Centre, November 24-26, 2026.
