Author: Area 39

The 70th edition of the Summer Fancy Food Show, one of the leading international trade events for the food industry, took place from June 28 to 30, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York.

The exhibition welcomed more than 2,500 exhibitors from 57 countries, over 9,000 qualified buyers, and showcased more than 700 new products, providing international companies with a strategic platform to present their products, develop new business relationships and stay ahead of the latest trends in the global food market.

The Summer Fancy Food Show is a key business opportunity for producers, importers, distributors, retailers and foodservice professionals. It also places a strong emphasis on social responsibility: each year, in collaboration with local charitable organizations, large quantities of surplus food products and exhibition materials are recovered and donated, helping to reduce waste while supporting local communities.

Area 39 would like to thank BioVenezia Biodistrict for taking part in this important international event.

 

Following the path launched in 2025, in 2026 Area 39 continued to manage the promotional activities related to the European project D’Opera Quality Heritage of Europe, a three-year campaign co-funded by the European Union and dedicated to promoting two outstanding products of the Italian agri-food heritage: Valpolicella DOC and DOCG Wines and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO.

Promoted by the Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella and the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano, the project aims to strengthen awareness of the two designations among industry professionals, the media and consumers in key European markets. The second year of the campaign focused on time as a value, a concept shared by the maturation process of Parmigiano Reggiano and the evolution of Valpolicella wines, which develop greater complexity, depth and character over time.

The Events Programme

The 2026 programme included events in Düsseldorf, Paris, Milan and Rome, featuring a series of workshops and walk-around tastings focused on exploring the relationship between the different expressions of Valpolicella and the various maturation stages of Parmigiano Reggiano.

The programme kicked off in Düsseldorf on 15 and 16 March, during ProWein 2026, with a walk-around tasting and two workshops. As part of a sensory journey, participants were invited to compare a range of Valpolicella wines with different maturation stages of Parmigiano Reggiano. The events were open to the press, industry professionals and wine lovers.

On 24 March, the project then arrived in Paris, at the Signorvino store in Place Saint-Michel. The next stop took place on 8 April in Milan, at the Signorvino Garibaldi venue. The tour finally concluded on 9 June in Rome, at the new Signorvino store in Largo dei Lombardi. The format allowed audiences to discover the different expressions of the designation, from Valpolicella DOC and Valpolicella Ripasso DOC to Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, while exploring pairing opportunities with one of the most iconic products of Italian culinary tradition.

Across these four stops, Area 39 developed and managed a promotional and educational journey bringing together territory, outstanding products and gastronomic culture, while strengthening the narrative of Made in Italy both nationally and internationally.

The 2026 activities represent the second chapter of a three-year programme that will continue in 2027, further promoting the values of quality, authenticity and connection to the territory shared by Valpolicella DOC and DOCG Wines and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO.

From May 26 to 28, 2026, the 25th edition of Vinexpo Asia, the leading trade fair dedicated to the wine and spirits industry in the Asian continent, took place in Hong Kong. On this occasion, Area 39 organized a group participation featuring 16 Italian companies, occupying a total exhibition area of 140 square meters and providing participating businesses with an important international platform to promote their products.

The 2026 edition recorded particularly significant figures, welcoming 14,273 industry professionals from 76 markets and 38 wine-producing countries, up from 59 markets and 35 countries represented in the 2024 edition. These numbers confirm Asia’s strategic role in the global wine industry and the continued interest of international producers in the region, despite current global economic and trade uncertainties.

Among the most notable aspects of the event was the expansion of international participation, with nine wine-producing countries attending for the first time: Austria, Belgium, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Alongside the traditional leaders of the global wine market—Italy, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and the United States—a growing presence of emerging producers was observed, eager to seize the opportunities offered by a region characterized by evolving demand, increasingly focused on premium products and new consumption experiences.

Vinexpo Asia’s importance as a commercial platform for the entire region was also reflected in the origin of its visitors: approximately 75% of attendees came from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Japan, South Korea, and the major Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In particular, the growing participation of operators from Southeast Asia reflects the region’s rising purchasing power and its increasing influence on global beverage consumption trends.

Participation in the exhibition enabled the companies involved to develop new business opportunities, strengthen relationships with international importers and distributors, and reinforce their positioning in one of the most dynamic and promising markets for the global wine industry.

Area 39 would like to thank all the companies that participated in the collective exhibition: Bosco Viticultori, Bisol1542 Prosecco Superiore, Cantine Ceci,
Cantine Paradiso, Cantine Riunite, Cantine Vedova, Casa Vinicola Poletti, Fantinel, Ferrari, Bisol, Gruppo Italiano Vini, Mazzei, Montelvini, Panizzi, Ponte, Rive della Chiesa, Terre Cevico e Zonin.

From May 11 to 14, Area 39 organized a press tour on behalf of the Consorzio Vini Terre di Pisa, with the aim of strengthening its brand awareness in Northern European markets through the promotion of the Pisa area and its outstanding wine heritage.

Four Food & Wine journalists from Germany and Sweden took part in the initiative.

During the four-day immersive tour, the journalists had the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the Consortium’s 14 member wineries through an average of four visits per day. The program focused on discovering the Terre di Pisa DOC through a variety of tasting experiences, enhanced by the pairing of local wines with regional gastronomy.


Throughout the visits, producers personally introduced their wines to the journalists through guided tastings, direct discussions, and in-depth insights into production techniques and the distinctive characteristics of their labels. The wineries also hosted lunches and dinners on their estates, offering the journalists an authentic experience of local cuisine paired with wines from the area. This represented a valuable opportunity to showcase not only the region’s winemaking excellence, but also the culture, identity, and hospitality that define the Terre di Pisa territory.

The wineries participating in the initiative were: Badia di Morrona, Beconcini, Castelvecchio, Fattoria di Fibbiano, Marina Romin, Podere Borgaruccio, Podere La Chiesa, Podere Pellicciano, Spazzavento, Tenute di Ghizzano, Uccelliera, Vallorsi, Varramista, and Villa Saletta.

The organization of this type of activity continues to prove highly strategic in promoting emerging wine regions and their products in international markets, fostering direct connections between local producers and foreign journalists.

From April 29 to 30, 2026, Area 39 managed the participation of the Distretto BioVenezia at Vinexpo America, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami.

Now in its second edition in Miami, Vinexpo America aims to establish itself as one of the leading trade fairs in the United States for the wine and spirits industry. The event provides an important showcase for promoting Italian products to specialized importers and distributors in one of the key markets for Italian wine, serving as a strategic gateway to Florida and the Central American region.

The BioVenezia District participated with a 24 sqm collective stand, showcasing a coordinated selection of organic wineries from the Veneto region, with the goal of creating new export opportunities in international markets.

The companies taking part in the initiative were: Le Carline, Savian Biowinemaker, Azienda Vinicola Anna Spinato, Tenuta Planitia – Villa Bogdano 1880, Azienda Agricola Dissegna, Azienda Agricola La Baratta, and La Cappuccina.

Area 39 supported the BioVenezia District throughout every stage of the project, coordinating the entire organizational process and providing comprehensive operational assistance. Specifically, Area 39 was responsible for:

  • Organizational and administrative coordination
  • Stand design, setup, and customization
  • On-site operational assistance
  • Coordination with the exhibition organizer and local suppliers
  • Planning and management of wine and promotional material shipments

A comprehensive 360-degree service designed to enhance the identity of the District and its member companies, within a strategic environment for meeting buyers and strengthening professional networking opportunities.

From April 16th to 19th, Area 39 organized an incoming activity dedicated to the Consorzio Vini Terre di Pisa, with the aim of strengthening the international visibility of the territory and its outstanding wine production.

The initiative involved four wine professionals from Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.

Participants were invited to enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of the Pisan area. Over the course of four days, guests had the opportunity to explore the territory firsthand, meet local producers, and gain deeper insight into the identity of the wineries belonging to the Consortium. The rich and dynamic program featured 14 member wineries, with an average of four visits per day to vineyards and cellars.

Each appointment included guided tastings, direct exchanges with producers, and in-depth discussions on production techniques and wine characteristics. Special attention was also given to the food and wine experience: lunches and dinners were hosted within the wineries themselves, offering participants an authentic taste of local cuisine expertly paired with wines from the area. This represented a valuable opportunity to showcase not only the products, but also the culture and hospitality that distinguish the territory.

The wineries participating in the initiative were: Badia di Morrona, Beconcini, Castelvecchio, Fattoria di Fibbiano, Marina Romin, Podere Borgaruccio, Podere La Chiesa, Podere Pellicciano, Spazzavento, Tenute di Ghizzano, Uccelliera, Vallorsi, Varramista, and Villa Saletta.

The incoming initiative once again proved to be a strategic activity for promoting the territory on international markets, creating direct connections between local producers and foreign operators.

On March 25th and 27th, the prestigious settings of Signorvino in Milan and Rome hosted two exclusive events dedicated to the Consorzio Vini Terre di Pisa, curated and organized by Area 39.

The program of both days was designed to offer a complete immersive experience:

Masterclass: A technical in-depth session reserved for the press and wine journalists. Guided by Riccardo Gabriele, participants explored the distinctive features of the production area and the different stylistic expressions of the producers, with a special focus on vintages and the unique identity of each winery involved.

Walk-around Tasting: An informal and dynamic moment that allowed wine enthusiasts to connect directly with the producers. During the tasting, a selection of labels from the Consorzio Terre di Pisa was presented alongside a refined finger food menu created by Signorvino, carefully designed to enhance the wines being tasted.

These two events confirmed the strong public interest in boutique wine productions capable of telling authentic stories of territory and high quality. A sensory journey that further strengthened the positioning of Terre di Pisa within the landscape of Italy’s great wines.

From March 15 to 17, 2026, the 32nd edition of ProWein, one of the leading international trade fairs dedicated to the wine and spirits industry, took place in Düsseldorf.

Area 39 participated with a collective group composed of 13 companies and one private Consortium, setting up a total of 220 sqm of exhibition space. Participation in the fair provided an important opportunity to promote the involved companies and strengthen their positioning in international markets.

ProWein 2026 offered an up-to-date overview of the global wine market, highlighting the key trends currently reshaping the sector. In particular, export, innovation, and the adaptation of business models emerged as central factors.

Among the main innovations of the 2026 edition was a more compact and efficient format, designed to encourage targeted meetings between wineries, buyers, and importers. Special attention was given to strategic topics for the future of the wine industry, including sustainability, low-alcohol wines and adaptation to climate change.

These trends reflect the evolving needs of both the market and consumers worldwide.

Key figures from ProWein Düsseldorf 2026:

  • – 3,400 exhibitors from all over the world
  • – 31,000 trade visitors from 105 countries
  • – More than 72,000 B2B meetings facilitated through matchmaking programs

On the evening of Monday, March 16, Area 39 organized an exclusive party for exhibitors from the Italian Pavilion, featuring a selection of Italian finger food accompanied by a DJ set. The event created an informal networking opportunity, encouraging conviviality and dialogue among industry professionals.

Area 39 would like to thank all the companies that participated in the collective exhibition: Cantina Produttori Cormons, Casale del Giglio, Cantine di Negrar, Marilisa Allegrini, Leone Alato, Gruppo Italiano Vini, Bosco Malera, Zenato, Collis Heritage, Viticoltori Ponte, Famiglia Cecchi, Torrevento, Cantine di Negrar

From March 10 to 13, 2026, Area 39 participated in Foodex Japan, held at Tokyo Big Sight, managing the participation of the BioVenezia District at the exhibition.

The companies from the District taking part in the event were La Baratta, Savian Vini, Dissegna, Le Carline e La Cappuccina.

As one of the largest Asian trade fairs dedicated to the food & beverage sector, the event once again confirmed its strategic role for Italian companies aiming to enter key international markets.

Foodex Japan offers valuable networking opportunities and B2B meetings, enabling companies to develop new partnerships and expand their international presence. Area 39’s participation alongside the District helped promote the agri-food excellence of the territory and strengthen the positioning of the participating companies within the Japanese market.

With more than 72,000 trade professionals and nearly 3,000 companies from over 70 countries, Foodex continues to be a strategic event for food industry businesses focused on export development and international growth.

On Monday, February 9, 2026, at the end of the first day of Wine Paris, Area 39 organized the second edition of its now traditional Opening Party, celebrating the beginning of the wine fair in Paris.

The event was conceived as an opportunity to enjoy a convivial and entertaining evening in the heart of the exhibition, together with exhibitors participating in Area 39 collective stands, their guests, and representatives of the other companies present in the Italian Pavilion.

During the evening, Area 39 guests had the opportunity to enjoy a selection of wines and cocktails accompanied by delicious Italian finger food, while a DJ set helped create a lively and festive atmosphere.

The Wine Paris 2026 Opening Party was organized by Area 39 with the support of partners Fieramente, Il Ginus – Tuscany Dry Gin, Vermouth di Torino e Parmigiano Reggiano, all of whom contributed to the experience by making their outstanding products available to the event’s guests.