by Hervé Lalau
Two recent fairs in France paint the current market situation there in black and white. Vinitech, the trade exhibition for winemaking equipment that took place in Bordeaux recently, is suffering. This year s event saw its turnover - and surface - drop by 20% compared with the 2004, an illustration of the growers\' lack of confidence in their future. On the other hand, the Salon des Vignerons Indépendants that took place in Paris this weekend was an unmitigated success. The consumer-show, with more than 950 exhibitors, attracted a record audience. For 5 days, Paris was the capital of wine, and the euphoria on show belied the crisis atmosphere. Sure, the neighbouring nautical show attracted many more television time, but the audience was large and excited. Despite the prohibitionist spirit affected by their politicians, Frenchmen vote with their feet and their glass - and many more drink wine than sail yachts.
How can one assemble the two contradictory pieces of the puzzle? Many growers and cooperatives know that they will not survive the current crisis and, thus, do not need to renew their equipment. Customers, however, are relatively happy. Wines have never been so good, never so affordable. This was not a presentation of Grand Crus Classés, but the Salon des Vignerons Indépendants that represents the rank and file of the wine sector.
