For four days Paris was the Cookbook Capital of the World. Professionals from more than 60 countries meet at the „Le 104" to attend the Paris Cookbook Fair. For organizer Edouard Cointreau the second edition was proof that the concept of a specialized fair was the best.

 

What is your conclusion after the second edition of the Paris Cookbook Fair?

Edouard Cointreau: "The results of the fair were beyond all expectations. We exceeded all our targets in trade visitors and business, the general public was numerous, with high quality amateurs, including many who bought in English. For instance, exhibitor Grub Street from London had 150 cookbooks, and was left with only 16 books. Hachette Pratique sold all its french books."

 

What were the main differences to the first fair last year?

Cointreau: "The main differences was the excellent warm weather, the multiplication of the international trade visitors, and the Malaysian Street Food. The wine bar was central for presentations of wine books paired with wines, and was a big success."

 

Foreign rights are the main issue of the Paris Cookbook Fair. Do you know if publishers have bought or sold foreign rights during the fair?

Cointreau: "We know of several hundred potential deals. The Chinese, the Brazilian, and the Russians were the main buyers. One Russian started negotiations for over 50 books, one Chinese for several dozen.The British also were active buyers, they came as trade visitors rather than exhibitors."

 

Does a specialized bookfair offer new opportunities for publishers and authors?

Cointreau: "Paris Cookbook Fair is expanding while traditional big book fairs are shrinking. In a specialized fair, everyone comes to do the same focused business."

 

During the fair countries and regions presented themselves. But did they find recognition between all the publishers?

Cointreau: "The numerous countries nearly all had results beyond their expectations, such as the Colombians from Transformemos, or the Indians, or the Bhutan, etc."

 

Will there be a Paris Cookbook Fair in 2012?

Cointreau: "Of course there will be a third edition, in March next year in Paris. The next edition will probably be at Le 104, we are already working on solutions to the space issue, but the decision is not final yet."