Organic growth for Millésime Bio 2008 - Perpignan turns green

Millésime Bio, the international organic wine trade fair, will take place on 28, 29 and 30 January 2008 in Perpignan. Now in its 15th year, the Fair is organised by the Inter-Professional Association of Organic Wines from Languedoc-Roussillon (AIVB-LR). It will host a record of 275 certified organic producers from countries including France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

[UKPRwire, Wed Nov 14 2007] The Fair is expanding this year and moves from Narbonne to the Perpignan Exhibition Centre, allowing improved facilities for visitors, increased travel options and a greater amount of accommodation.

Considered as a niche market only a few years ago, organic wines have today become a force to be reckoned with. Thierry Julien, producer at domaine Mas de Janiny and President of AIVB-LR, explains: “According to Agence Bio, in 2005 the turnover generated from organic wines in France represented €189 million. This figure is on the increase and exports are also in full swing.”

Thierry continues : “Organic wines cater for consumers interested in environmentally friendly products, all the while respecting wine quality and authenticity. All wine appellations currently produce organic wines which offer excellent value for money and Millésime Bio, the only annual event uniting the organic wine industry’s main players, will bring together an impressive line-up !”

Environmental concerns are now at the heart of political and social debate and steady growth is expected in many countries, with all social groups gradually switching over to organic products. A recent consumer study led by CSA for Agence Bio also shows that organic produce is successful both in building brand loyalty and in attracting new customers… the Holly Grail for any marketeer.

- ends -

For more information or images, please contact Sabine Cleizergues on 020 7312 3641 or email sabine.cleizergues@sopexa.com

Notes to editors:
The wines on show must comply with European rules for organic wines according to legislation passed in June 1991. This means:
- The Organic Agency needs to be notified of the organic means of agriculture.
- The vines must be grown without use of synthetic chemicals (eg. fertilisers and pesticides).
- The rules governing organic farming must be practised for a period of three years before any mention may be used on labels, equivalent to “wine produced from organically grown grapes”.
- The producer must obtain certification from an approved body. On average, organic estates are inspected more than once a year.