Hosted by the SudVinBio association in Montpellier, Millésime BIO has become a major annual event, bringing together over 1,100 winegrowers, cooperative members, and trading companies from across Occitania, one of Europe’s most significant organic wine-producing regions. Despite facing economic uncertainties, the organic wine sector continues to show resilience, with growth in vineyard conversions and sales both domestically and internationally.
Organic Wine Industry Remains Resilient Amid Economic Struggles
Although economic tensions have slowed the pace of growth compared to the rapid expansion from 2018 to 2020, the organic wine industry remains strong. In 2023, vineyard conversions continued, with more than 500 new conversions initiated. According to Agence Bio, the area of organic vineyards expanded by 1.6%.
Organic wine sales also recorded gains. In France, sales increased by 3% in volume and 9% in value. Export markets mirrored this trend, with a 9% rise in volume and a 5% increase in value. However, the wine industry faces challenges, particularly in the declining sales of conventional wines in supermarkets and hypermarkets.
This comes at a time when the organic sector is grappling with difficulties in other product segments and a general sense of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The surge in vineyard conversions in recent years has led to an increase in organic wine volumes, raising concerns about the need for new markets and distribution channels to absorb the additional supply.
Millésime BIO Adapts to Market Conditions
As a non-profit exhibition, Millésime BIO has taken proactive measures to support its exhibitors in this challenging economic climate. In a bid to ease financial pressures, the event has frozen its participation fees. Young businesses, whether newly established or inherited, will receive nearly a 30% discount, offering a much-needed financial boost.
The event organizers have limited the number of exhibitors to 1,500 to ensure a balanced ratio between exhibitors and buyers, focusing on quality rather than quantity. This decision reflects a desire to avoid turning the exhibition into a numbers-driven event and instead maintain its reputation as a meaningful networking opportunity.
The goal of Millésime BIO is to provide exhibitors with access to a carefully curated audience of qualified buyers, ensuring that each interaction can lead to valuable business opportunities.
Enhanced Experience for Visitors
Millésime BIO is also optimizing its resources for the 11,000 expected trade buyers. A new platform will allow visitors to schedule appointments, and an improved mobile application will enhance the user experience by allowing for better filtering of exhibitors based on various categories, such as product type, geographical origin, and packaging.
The exhibition is expanding its range of products, with the inclusion of low- and no-alcohol beverages, and the return of dedicated zones for organic beer, cider, and spirits. The self-serve tasting area will also feature bulk wines from the Occitania region, and for the first time, wines produced from resistant grape varieties.
Additionally, the event is increasing the visibility of complementary schemes to organic farming. In collaboration with the Biodyvin producers’ organization, Millésime BIO is dedicating a special section to gather all Biodyvin members in one hall, while still preserving the diversity of appellations—one of the key attributes of the exhibition.
Highlighting Sustainable Practices Through Competition
In partnership with the specialist magazine Vitisbio, the Hérault Chamber of Agriculture, and the French Bird Protection League (LPO), Millésime BIO launched a competition in 2024 to reward organic winegrowers’ efforts in promoting ecosystem vitality.
The competition, now in its second year, focuses on initiatives that enhance the natural environment. In 2025, the theme will be trees, which are recognized for providing habitats for beneficial wildlife, creating shade, and helping regulate temperatures.
The competition will serve as a showcase for top-tier organic products, with approximately 2,000 wines and 150 beers competing for awards. Winners will be selected by prominent industry members, and their products will be available for tasting at the Millésime BIO Challenge Bar during the event. In 2024, 537 wines and 42 beers received awards. Registration for the 2025 competition opens on November 4, 2024.
The Importance of Organic Winemaking
Organic wines are produced using farming techniques that adhere to stringent European Union (EU) regulations. These rules prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and limit certain winemaking practices, ensuring the wine is made with minimal environmental impact.
The EU has praised organic farming, noting that it combines environmentally friendly practices with a high level of biodiversity. Organic farming also helps preserve natural resources and responds to the growing consumer demand for products made using natural substances.
In France, a 2022 report by the Court of Auditors emphasized the importance of organic farming as a key component of the country’s agro-environmental transition. The report cited organic farming as a model for encouraging environmentally sustainable practices, particularly in the wine industry.
Looking Ahead: Millésime BIO’s Role in the Future of Organic Wine
Millésime BIO continues to play a pivotal role in promoting and supporting the organic wine industry. By offering a platform for winegrowers, cooperatives, and businesses to connect with buyers and industry experts, the event has become a vital hub for innovation and growth within the sector.
As organic wine production expands and adapts to new market challenges, events like Millésime BIO will be crucial in shaping the future of the industry, providing a space for collaboration and the exchange of ideas, while also highlighting the importance of sustainability and ecological stewardship.
The 2025 edition of Millésime BIO promises to continue this tradition, fostering opportunities for growth and innovation in an industry that is not only thriving but also driving positive change in the global wine market.
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