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Rafael del Rey, Analyst and Consultant at DelReyAWM (Del Rey Analysts of Wine Markets):

"FENAVIN has established itself as a leading trade fair on both the national and international wine scene

"FENAVIN is a truly outstanding wine fair that has grown into a leading national and international event. Its secret— widely imitated since—lies in its ability to provide the perfect setting for doing business."With these words, Rafael del Rey, analyst and consultant at DelReyAWM (Del Rey Analysts of Wine Markets), sums up the significance of this key event for the wine industry, set to take place from May 6 to 8 at IFEDI Trade Fair Pavilion in Ciudad Real.

Del Rey will be among the featured speakers at Spain's National Wine Fair, FENAVIN 2025, where he will present the talk "Opportunities in International Wine Markets" on Wednesday, May 7 at 4:00 PM in Lecture Hall 1 of the IFEDI Pavilion. During the session, he will explore current trends and challenges shaping the global wine market and offer strategic insights for wineries and exporters.

A Market in Constant Evolution

For more than three decades, international markets have played a vital role for wine-producing countries. In Spain's case, exports now account for more than twice the volume of domestic consumption, making them a critical avenue for wine sales. However, the sector faces growing uncertainty due to increased global competition, economic and health crises, geopolitical conflicts, and shifting consumer habits.

Del Rey's presentation will address key questions for wine producers: Which markets are expanding, and which are showing signs of stagnation? Is the current crisis in the U.S. wine market structural or temporary? What styles of wine are in highest demand? Using up-to-date data through the end of 2024, he will offer a detailed analysis to help wineries identify solid strategies for growth and consolidation in international markets.

New Trends in Wine Consumption

One of the session's key topics will be the evolution of consumer preferences. "We're now seeing stronger demand for white wines, fresher styles, lower-alcohol wines, sparkling wines, and innovations like fermented grape musts and low-alcohol offerings," explains del Rey. Thanks to its wide diversity in wine production, Spain is well positioned to gain ground in these emerging segments.

Geographically, the session will highlight how key import regions are evolving. While Europe remains a pillar of global wine imports, Asia has slowed due to the downturn in the Chinese market. North America presents growth opportunities for Spanish wines, though there is still ground to cover. Meanwhile, Latin America and Africa are emerging as high-potential markets where Spanish wines enjoy a strong competitive edge.

Success in Exporting: Mindset and Commitment

According to del Rey, success in the international wine trade depends on two essential factors: mindset and hard work. "Our best market doesn't have to be the closest one. It's crucial for producers to explore opportunities beyond their traditional boundaries," he affirms. He also emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement: "There is no secret formula other than putting in the work—traveling, attending trade fairs, meeting buyers and consumers."

For Spanish wineries, this philosophy translates into careful planning and thorough preparation for business meetings. "We can't just show up at a fair and wait to see who drops by the stand. You need to arrive with a well-structured agenda of scheduled meetings," del Rey stresses.

Through his session at FENAVIN 2025, Rafael del Rey will provide a timely, practical perspective on today's global wine market—helping wineries pinpoint new opportunities and fine-tune their export strategies.