As anticipation builds for the unveiling of Vinitaly 2024's official figures, one thing is certain: this year's event transformed the Veronafiere into a bustling hub of wine culture, welcoming representatives from all Italian regions and 30 countries worldwide.
Spanning a sprawling 100,000 square meters, the exhibition center played host to 4,000 wineries, solidifying Vinitaly's status as a premier international wine business forum, now in its 56th edition.
Federico Bricolo, president of Veronafiere and Vinitaly 2024, emphasized the event's role in spotlighting Italian wine on the global stage. Reflecting this commitment, a recent world tour spanning 18 cities across 15 countries was conducted to meticulously curate a roster of key buyers invited to Vinitaly.
With foreign-facing investments on the rise, Veronafiere's new Strategic Plan "One 2024-2026" underscores the importance of Vinitaly's mission. This plan aims to enhance the fair's promotional platform while channeling investments into strategic export markets. The rigorous selection process for international operators, initiated in 2023, saw nearly 30,000 attendees from 143 nations, including over 1,000 top buyers hosted by Veronafiere and Ice-Agenzia.
Maurizio Danese, CEO of Veronafiere and Vinitaly 2024, stressed the fair's pivotal role in supporting the wine sector, particularly amidst challenging times. Emphasizing the intertwined notions of 'business' and 'awareness,' Danese highlighted the strategic and cultural significance of the wine industry for Italy and Europe's economy.
In line with this commitment, Vinitaly 2024 coincided with the 1st national day of Made in Italy, featuring the presentation of the research report titled "If you take wine away from Italy, a dip in the glass half empty." Produced by the Uiv-Vinitaly Observatory and Prometeia, this study delved into the socio-economic, tourism, and identity ramifications of a hypothetical absence of wine from Italy.
As Vinitaly 2024 draws to a close, its legacy as a vital platform for the promotion and preservation of Italian wine culture remains steadfast, poised to shape the industry's trajectory on both domestic and global fronts.