Vinexpo America readies to head to Miami

In 2025, Vinexpo America will move from New York to Miami. db finds out more about the show, running 7–8 May, and the dynamic opportunities it presents. Producers and distillers will join together on 7-8 May 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the transformative business event that is Vinexpo America. Now in one of the most influential cities in the US, attendees can meet and connect with buyers from across the Americas and the Caribbean, leveraging Miami’s strategic position as a key logistics hub. While the best in the business showcase their products to a diverse audience of industry leaders and decision-makers, there are opportunities aplenty to unlock new business opportunities. Transforming into a travelling show bringing the exhibition to cities across the US, Vinexpo America is offering exhibitors a dynamic opportunity to connect with different markets across the region. Fair organiser Vinexposium revealed it has moved to Miami in order to capitalise on the influence and dynamism of the US market and the increasing attractiveness of Florida over the last couple of years. But why should you attend? As a rule, the US sets global trends in wine and spirits consumption and innovation, making Vinexpo America a must-attend event for producers and distillers. Miami has now firmly established itself as a key logistics hub and a gateway to South America and the Caribbean. The palm-fringed city is also renowned for its strong tourism and horeca industries, which further amplify opportunities for market expansion and business growth. Added to this, Miami’s strategic location offers unparalleled opportunities for long-term positioning in these vibrant markets, making it an ideal venue for connecting with industry leaders and decision-makers. There are a range of compelling reasons to capitalise on Vinexpo America Miami in 2025. Firstly, visitors will reach a diverse audience of buyers and distributors from North, Central and South America for smart business targeting. Added to this, Miami’s location in the heart of the Americas, coupled with its business-friendly policies, offers direct access to markets with growing potential in wine and spirits consumption. More recently, Miami and Florida have become prime locations for new and relocating businesses alike, a trend encouraged by better quality of life and lower costs. A key reason to attend is to learn how to navigate and grow your business in the US. After all, exhibiting at Vinexpo America in Miami offers an unparalleled opportunity to better understand the complexities of the US market and its tiered distribution system, which can sometimes feel impenetrable. Additionally, it is a crucial way to build connections with key industry players, distributors and buyers who can help drinks industry professionals successfully break into the market and expand within it. The event helps companies to establish their brand, build lasting partnerships and leverage Vinexpo America’s resources to overcome barriers and thrive in the competitive US wine and spirits landscape.

Prime location

As a rule, the show is also a great destination to attract buyers. Indeed, the Miami Beach Convention Center offers a prime location in the heart of Miami Beach, featuring more than 1.4 million square feet of state-of-the-art, eco-friendly event space with cutting-edge technology, bolstered by outstanding support services. The venue’s proximity to beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, combined with seamless accessibility and a strong focus on sustainability, makes it a premier destination for events and conventions. Speaking about the reasons why people working within the wine and spirits sector should attend the event, Melanie Mann, principal category merchant, wine, for Whole Foods Market explains: “Vinexpo America was a wild success for us – it was pretty magical. It provided a great opportunity for our Whole Foods Market team to connect with each other and with producers in a central location. The exhibition’s exclusive focus on the trade allowed us to learn about new products from our distribution partners and have crucial face-to-face time. We see Vinexpo America as an extension of our home base – if someone wants to meet with Whole Foods Market and make a presentation, that is where it needs to happen.” Vinexpo America expects to attract more than 4,000 visitors, spanning importers through to buyers and retailers from across the hotel, restaurant, café and catering sectors (HoReCa) and more. It is anticipated that more than 400 exhibitors from 50 countries will attend, and the show itself will last for two days, fully dedicated to the business of wine and spirits, making the event unmissable.

Evolving trends

Word has it that the wine and spirits industries across North America and Latin America (LATAM) is currently undergoing significant transformation, shaped by shifting consumer behaviours, economic pressures and evolving premiumisation trends. While the US market is experiencing a period of recalibration, with a slowdown in premiumisation and an increased focus on value, Latin American markets are said to present contrasting dynamics – some facing economic headwinds that drive downtrading, while others see resilience in certain high-growth categories. With these evolving landscapes, Vinexpo America 2025 in Miami emerges as a critical meeting-point for producers, distributors and buyers looking to navigate and capitalise on these trends across the Americas.

A market in transition

Looking at the shape of the wine and spirits industry in the US, it is still considered to be a market in transition. According to IWSR’s latest market analysis, the US beverage alcohol market is experiencing a reset following years of growth. Economic challenges, changing consumer preferences and a push towards moderation are all rapidly reshaping the industry. To target these issues, drinks businesses need to stay informed – and declining consumption across major categories cannot be overlooked. Total beverage alcohol consumption in the US declined by 2.6% in 2023, with wine (-4.2%), spirits (-2.2%) and beer (-3.1%) all seeing volume losses. Only RTDs (+1.2%) have continued to grow, benefitting from convenience-driven demand. However, despite premiumisation slowing, value is gaining importance. This means that, while premiumisation is still a long-term trend, recent economic pressures have led to downtrading in the short term, particularly in the whisky and brandy categories, as consumers seek better price-to-quality ratios. The areas to watch are agave spirits, which are leading growth, Prosecco and no- and low-alcohol alternatives, which are also gaining ground in the US. Tequila and mezcal saw 3.6% growth in 2023 and a strong 11.6% CAGR from 2018 to 2023, fuelled by premiumisation and brand loyalty. Meanwhile, no-alcohol spirits saw a 38.3% increase, while no-alcohol sparkling wine grew 25.9%, reflecting younger consumers’ interest in health and wellness. Still wine volumes fell 4.3% in the United States in 2023, but lighter white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc are outperforming. Vinexpo America is your opportunity to dive deeper into these trends and find out what makes US consumers tick. Plus, all attendees can maximise their Vinexpo America experience with the show’s suite of digital products and solutions that support your sales strategy.