INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE EXHIBITION FOR THE WINE AND BOTTLING INDUSTRY
Simei, the biennial international exhibition dedicated to the best technology for oenology and bottling machinery, returns to Fiera Milano from 17 to 20 November. For over 60 years, it has been the key event for the entire sector, showcasing innovative solutions and proposals throughout the entire production process, from vineyard to glass. Organised by the Italian Wine Union (UIV), the exhibition is gearing up for its 31st edition, confirming its now historic product categories – from wine to beer, via olive oil and spirits – and placing a strong focus on Liquid Food and beverages with Bevertech.
“In an increasingly complex and dynamic market landscape, Simei aims to strengthen its role as a strategic platform for innovation, with an ever-greater focus on progress in terms of solutions and process rationalisation,” highlights Paolo Castelletti, CEO of Unione Italiana Vini Servizi. This is a sector in which Italy boasts recognised excellence, capable of identifying concrete and practical solutions for sectors currently facing critical challenges. In this sense, as well as facilitating business opportunities, the exhibition serves as a strategic forum for meeting and discussion for all players in the supply chain, both national and international. In particular,” concludes Castelletti, “with a format that has evolved further in terms of partnerships and content, we aim to engage with companies that choose to expand and diversify their offerings thanks to the growing integration of technologies.”
Bevertech 2026
The debut of Bevertech is accompanied by a collaboration with Luigi Caricato’s “L’Oleoteca di Olio Officina”, whilst a new partnership with the Italian Beer Consortium for the brewing sector is being celebrated. The partnership with Distillo, the trade fair dedicated to equipment for micro-distilleries, has also been renewed; it will hold its fourth edition right within the Salone, and a first conference will be organised in the run-up to the event, scheduled for Tuesday 28 April at Cantine Astoria (Crevada – TV, 2.30 pm), dedicated to “Tourism in distilleries and liqueur factories: challenges and opportunities in hospitality”. The event, organised by Distillo in collaboration with Simei and the Italian Wine Union, aims to provide a forum for discussion for industry operators, the trade press, producers and professionals interested in seizing the opportunities offered by experiential tourism linked to the world of distillation.
Innovation Challenge
Finally, the traditional Innovation Challenge has also been confirmed, the competition that rewards technological innovations in the sector.
With 578 companies and brands on display, over 30,000 square metres of exhibition space and foreign delegations from 32 countries (2024 edition figures), Simei is the leading international trade fair for oenology and bottling machinery. Now in its 31st edition, the event organised by the Italian Wine Union (UIV) takes stock of the latest developments and innovations in technology applied to the wine supply chain and the beverage industry across all its stages, with a focus on wine, liquid food, oil, beer and spirits. The 2024 edition attracted over 33,000 trade visitors from 90 countries.
Daniele Toni