The 58th edition of Vinitaly , the leading event for the global wine industry, concluded today at Veronafiere. This year’s edition attracted a total of 90,000 attendees , a slight decrease from the previous year’s 97,000 . Despite the overall decline in attendance, the event consolidated its business and international vocation, welcoming operators from 135 countries , five more than in 2025.
With 4,000 exhibiting companies and a full exhibition center, the organizational outcome remains positive. The “top buyer” project, in collaboration with ITA Agenzia , played a key role, bringing over 1,000 selected major buyers from over 70 countries to Verona.
“In an international context marked by complex geopolitical dynamics that impact global mobility, the result achieved takes on an unexpected value,” said Federico Bricolo , President of Veronafiere . “The fair establishes itself as a strategic infrastructure capable of ensuring qualified demand and supporting the competitiveness of Italian wine worldwide.”
The Market Map: Between Certainties and New Frontiers
The flows of visitors and buyers have outlined a very clear market geography, divided between consolidated catchment areas and high-growth areas:
Consolidated markets: Germany , North America (USA and Canada), Switzerland and the United Kingdom remain in the lead in terms of attendance, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Scandinavian countries, Poland and Austria.
Emerging markets: The top 10 in terms of potential include China , Brazil , Australia , Mexico , South Korea, Thailand and the Baltic Republics.
Focus on Africa and Asia: Japan and Vietnam showed great dynamism, while on the African continent, strong signs emerged from South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Angola. The presence of buyers from Ukraine was also significant.
Veronafiere’s management is now aiming to strengthen its presence abroad. According to Deputy Director General , Gianni Bruno , internationalization remains the primary objective: new Vinitaly events are already in the pipeline in Africa, Canada, and Australia , as well as doubling its presence in Brazil .
The recently concluded edition also gave ample space to new thematic formats such as NoLo – Vinitaly Experience (dedicated to low-alcohol or non-alcoholic wines), Xcellent Spirits (for the spirits sector) and Vinitaly Tourism (for an increasingly close integration between wine and hospitality choices at the winery).
On the “off-show” front, Vinitaly and the City enlivened Verona’s historic center, attracting 50,000 tasting tokens , confirming the brand’s appeal to consumers and young enthusiasts. The 59th edition of Vinitaly has already been scheduled: the fair will return from April 11 to 14, 2027 .
Source: Veronafiere Press Office; photo credit: Tommaso Del Panta