Eloise Feilden, reporting after three days at the fair, highlights some of the most compelling trends shaping the wine industry today.
Artificial Intelligence Steals the Show
Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a dominant theme at Wine Paris 2023, permeating discussions and innovations across various sectors of the wine industry. Talks dedicated to AI explored its transformative potential in wine marketing, bar operations, and hospitality. Thomas Fournier, Chief Digital Officer at Hopscotch Sopexa, underscored AI's role in enhancing creativity rather than stifling it. He showcased BarGPT, an AI-driven app creating cocktails and designing bar layouts, emphasizing the importance of crafting personalized prompts to leverage AI effectively.
Fournier dismissed concerns about AI overshadowing human creativity, asserting that tools like AI are meant to augment rather than replace human ingenuity. He likened AI to new colors on a painter’s palette, suggesting that mastery lies in how creatively one wields these tools.
Innovative Packaging at Champagne Collery
Contrary to the minimalist trend, Champagne Collery unveiled a bold move by increasing packaging for its Grand Cru Cuvées. Romain Levecque, the maison's director, justified this decision by consumer demand for visually appealing packaging alongside sustainability. The new design, made from 80% recycled cardboard and featuring a convenient carrying cord, aligns with eco-conscious trends without compromising aesthetics. Levecque noted consumer expectations for both sustainability and visual appeal, reflecting a nuanced approach to packaging design in retail and travel sectors.
Rediscovering Indigenous Grapes in Italy
Italy showcased its rich viticultural heritage by spotlighting lesser-known indigenous grape varieties. Mezzacorona highlighted Teroldego from Trentino, affirming its commitment to elevating local varietals globally. Similarly, Alto Adige made its debut at Wine Paris, celebrating its diverse range of indigenous and international grape varieties. Eduard Bernhart emphasized how native grapes define regional identity while international varietals foster global dialogue, making Alto Adige wines versatile companions to diverse cuisines worldwide.
The Rise of White Wine and Sparkling
Amidst shifting consumer preferences, white wine, particularly sparkling varieties, demonstrated robust growth. Giorgio Del Rosso from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) highlighted white wine's ascendance driven by the year-round appeal of sparkling wines. The "de-seasonalization" of bubbles has expanded their consumption beyond special occasions, contributing significantly to overall white wine production growth.
Conclusion
Wine Paris 2023 encapsulated a dynamic industry navigating through innovation, tradition, and sustainability. From AI-driven creativity to the resurgence of indigenous grapes and the buoyancy of white and sparkling wines, the fair provided a comprehensive view of evolving consumer tastes and industry trends. As the wine world continues to evolve, these insights from Wine Paris offer a glimpse into the future direction of the global wine market.
Source: The Drinks Business