For more than 20 years, Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine has been supporting the Vinitech-Sifel trade show by identifying, inviting, and welcoming major international buyers and decision-makers to the event. We spoke with Christine Pecastaingts, director of this key partner.
How would you define the complementarity of expertise between Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Vinitech-Sifel?
Our agency has been supporting regional stakeholders in their international development for more than 30 years. Over time, we have built a vast network of 15,000 international contacts, particularly across agricultural sectors such as viticulture and winemaking, livestock farming, fruit and vegetable production, and forestry.
In practical terms, we welcome international delegations to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and organize missions abroad, particularly in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and across Europe. Through this collaboration, Vinitech-Sifel benefits from the strength and visibility of this international network, which helps promote and showcase the event. Beyond its status as a leading trade show, Vinitech-Sifel also highlights the entire wine and wine-industry ecosystem of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
What concrete actions does Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine implement to connect Vinitech-Sifel with international markets?
It is not uncommon for third countries to call on us to carry out sector diagnostic missions for their industries. In this context, we develop roadmaps that identify areas for improvement. For the wine and winegrowing sector, we often rely on experts from Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Within this framework, we systematically present Vinitech-Sifel as a key meeting place to continue discussions and develop international collaborations. From the Americas to Nouvelle-Aquitaine, strong connections are built, opening up new markets for wine equipment manufacturers from the region.
In your opinion, what are the distinguishing strengths of Vinitech-Sifel for international stakeholders?
The key differentiating strength of Vinitech-Sifel is the extensive technical visit program we organize before and during the trade show. A total of 17 tours are offered, which proves to be a strong argument when we recruit international buyers.
This program gives participants the opportunity to have direct contact with the field and understand how production works here: what equipment is used and what challenges producers face. The dedicated welcome offered to international delegations further enhances this premium experience, giving them all the insights they need to invest and purchase.
We should also highlight the Vinitech Innovation Tours (VIT), which strengthen connections with international decision-makers. This unique initiative, supported by Vinitech-Sifel, Interco, the ISVV and Inno’vin (through the SIRENA program backed by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region), offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals from our region to develop a strong international network.
Each year, the program enables wine equipment and machinery manufacturers to meet key players in international markets during these missions and gain a better understanding of the expectations of local producers. After several VIT editions organized in the United States, South Africa and Portugal, the 2026 edition will head to Croatia (May 4–10) and Argentina (May 11–16).
What are the objectives of Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Vinitech-Sifel for the coming years?
We are aware that the wine and winegrowing sector is constantly evolving in response to current geopolitical changes and crises. Together with Vinitech-Sifel, we will continue working to identify future development areas that will require high-quality equipment and machinery. We are committed to remaining proactive in adapting our technical content to market developments.
In the face of these challenges, I am pleased with the relationship of trust that has been built between Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Vinitech-Sifel, produced by Beam. It is truly the key word of our collaboration and a major asset for continuing the international development of the trade show.
