Millésime BIO 2025 introduces new initiatives to support the organic wine industry

Millésime BIO, the world’s largest organic wine fair, is set to return to Montpellier in January 2025 after a successful edition in 2024 that saw 9,600 visitors. The organisers, Sudvinbio, are expecting an even larger crowd this year, with 11,000 visitors expected between January 27th and 29th. With over 1,500 exhibitors already signed up for the event, the fair continues to grow in significance, both as a marketplace and as a platform for industry discussions.

While France remains the dominant force in the show, with 80% of the exhibitor spaces occupied by French producers, the fair will also feature wines from 16 other countries, including Italy, Spain, Argentina, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. This diverse international participation showcases the global reach of organic wine and highlights the increasing interest in organic viticulture worldwide.

New categories and initiatives at Millésime BIO 2025

Millésime BIO 2025 will feature several exciting new initiatives to enhance the fair’s appeal and relevance. Among these is the introduction of dedicated sections for no- and low-alcohol products, a showcase of wines made from resistant grape varieties, and a special section marking the 30th anniversary of Biodyvin, the winegrowing association and certification body for biodynamic wines.

Additionally, the fair will hold the second edition of its competition, "La Biodiversité, C’est Mon Domaine," which celebrates biodiversity in wine production. These new sections, alongside traditional areas for beer, cider, spirits, and bulk wine, reflect the evolving interests of both exhibitors and visitors in the organic and sustainable drinks markets.

The inclusion of new categories is not just a response to current trends but also part of a broader strategy to provide a comprehensive platform for the entire drinks trade. Jeanne Fabre, chair of Millésime BIO, emphasized the importance of maintaining a global and diverse perspective to cater to a wide range of market needs, while still staying true to the fair’s core focus on organic wines.

Addressing industry challenges with practical solutions

In response to global economic challenges and sector-specific hurdles, Millésime BIO 2025 is making strategic adjustments to better serve both exhibitors and visitors. Despite an overwhelming number of early registrations, exhibitor numbers have been capped at 1,500 to ensure a balanced and effective fair. This cap is a part of the organisers' strategy to grow the event in tandem with the number of buyers, ensuring that every exhibitor has the opportunity to make meaningful connections and secure new business deals.

The fair’s commitment to supporting its exhibitors is also evident in its decision to freeze rates for the 2025 edition. In addition, new and young businesses are being encouraged to attend with a 30% discount on exhibitor fees. A portion of the available space, 20%, is reserved for first-time exhibitors, helping keep the fair dynamic and fresh.

For visitors, the fair will introduce a completely revamped digital system for making appointments, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient experience. As Fabre notes, the aim is to provide better communication and an overall more efficient experience for all attendees, helping to foster long-lasting relationships and business growth.

The future of organic wine in a changing market

Despite economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviors, Millésime BIO remains confident in the resilience of organic wine. With global economic challenges leading some producers to hesitate about converting to organic viticulture, Fabre stresses that organic wines have distinct advantages, especially in difficult times. Organic wines, she suggests, are more likely to withstand market turbulence due to their direct access to dedicated, enthusiastic consumers, who are less reliant on large distributors and retailers.

Moreover, research conducted by Millésime BIO has challenged the stereotype that organic wines are overly expensive. The 2024 Challenge Millésime BIO, a competition for organic wines, included over 2,000 entries, many of which retail for under €20, with a significant portion priced below €10. This finding directly refutes the perception that organic wines are out of reach for the average consumer, demonstrating that organic viticulture can be both affordable and accessible.

In response to emerging trends in the wine industry, the inclusion of categories beyond traditional wine—such as biodynamic and regenerative wines—further strengthens Millésime BIO’s role in addressing the evolving needs of the market. While these practices are gaining traction, Fabre insists that organic wine remains the foundation of the industry, and that organic viticulture’s core values must not be overlooked.