Over 100 exhibitors from 10 different countries presented more than 200 brands of vitivinicultural materials and equipment over 3 days in the heart of China's top wine region.
The Director General of the OIV participated in the opening in the presence of local authorities and Ms Valérie Lobry, the Director General of COMEXPOSIUM.
During his speech, he highlighted the role of this exhibition and the technical conferences held on this occasion in the dissemination of information on technological innovation and developments in the vitivinicultural sector. Jean-Marie Aurand also recalled the historic relationship between the OIV and the Yantai-Penglai Region.
The Yantai Region constitutes the cradle of Chinese vitivinicultural production. It was indeed in Yantai that the company Changyu founded modern Chinese viticulture in 1892. The company is now one of the two major leaders in the sector, alongside COFCO.
With nearly 3.5 million hl of wine per year, the Yantai Region accounts for more than a third of Chinese production. It comprises 156 vitivinicultural companies, 35 of which are among the biggest in China.
In 1987, Yantai was recognised as an "International City of Vine and Wine" by the OIV and the municipality has observer status within the Organisation.
During a meeting with the Director of the Yantai Wine Bureau, Mr Jia Yu Zhang, the Director General of the OIV expressed his desire for the region's experts to be able to participate in the work of the OIV. He also stressed the importance of closer cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the OIV in future.
In addition, Jean-Marie Aurand took part in the 21st Gourmand Awards on 28 May in Yantai, at the invitation of its President Edouard Cointreau. This event aims to promote gastronomy and wine through various works and televised programmes.
Finally, the visit to several domains confirmed the dynamism of this region, which continues to plant vineyards and build wineries.