Event scheduled at VeronaFiere 7-11 April 2005

International Wine and Spirits Show (www.vinitaly.it )  April 7 to 11  at the Fiera di Verona, Italy . This is the largest show in the world dedicated to the sector, in which Italian companies hold pole position in terms of overall production, as well as being considered a benchmark of quality. With over 4000 exhibitors, from 30 countries, and around 150,000 visitors, of whom 30,000 from abroad, Vinitaly is a unique event of its kind and, with almost 40 years of tradition behind it, also a crucial forum for the trade professionals. For the first time, the attendance figures are being officially certified by FKM, the German body for the voluntary control of fair and show statistics, representing a further guarantee of the seriousness of a show which every year offers an intense program of competitions, meetings, events and conferences.

Among these many initiatives we should mention the participation of a large delegation of journalists from the most prestigious international publications in the wine and spirits sector, from over 30 countries, whose presence at Vinitaly was organised by the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade. The aim is to show international operators the variety and quality of Italian products, in order to improve the image of Italian wine and attract the attention of the international press. The focus is on the consolidation and development of Italian wines on international markets, with particular attention to emerging markets, such as China. The presence of Italian products in China is in fact growing at an increasing rate, and last November the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade helped organise "Vinitaly China", which took Italy's leading wines to Shanghai.

Lastly, the new pavilion number 16 of the Fiera, specially realised in an innovative tent structure, will be home to Oil, the international show of extra virgin olive oil, one of the food products in which Italy is an absolute world leader both in terms of quantity and unmatchable quality. And of course there will be the traditional side events, which traditionally accompany the main show. An example is the 13th edition of the International Wine Competition, which has become the most popular and selective wine competition in the world. There will also be the International Packaging Competition, with awards for the best bottles and packaging.

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