LIWF and Distil 2012

Last week's London International Wine Fair and Distil were reported a success by exhibitors and visitors alike.  In the face of a challenging economic environment, the show cemented its position as essential to the UK and international wine and spirits industries.  Visitor figures (counted only once per person and without exhibitor personnel) were slightly lower than 2011 at 13,431 compared to last year's 13,754.

Discovery was very much the theme for 2012, with exhibitors coming from China for the first time, as well as from other emerging producers such as Georgia, Lebanon, Moldova, Russia, Slovenia and Turkey.  The International Wine Challenge Discovery Tasting featured 1,000 wines tailored to independent, on-trade and multiple grocer sectors and a selection of over 50 Industry Briefings, seminars and masterclasses provided the trade with valuable information from the experts.  Innovation was also a watch-word with the likes of Wine Stars and Tesco's Dragons Den style selection high on the agenda.

James Murray, Event Director commented: "It's safe to say that this has been our most challenging show to date.  Operating in a depressed economic climate is never easy, but we feel the show stood up to its critics and continues to provide a platform for doing business in the UK. Plans are already underway to ensure 2013 ranks amongst the best shows to date and we are already putting in place new features and confirming exhibitors for next year."

Anne Burchett, Managing Director, Sopexa UK & Ireland commented: "For our exhibitors, finding the time to take advantage of the new LIWF initiatives isn't always easy, but the general feeling was really positive- some even commenting that they made more contacts in London than at ProWein. Our Fast Track to France feature was busier than ever and, despite those that try to play down the importance of LIWF, the Fair has proved itself an essential, must-attend event for anyone wanting to gain a 360 degree vision of the market. Instant commercial results are harder to find these days but we remain optimistic for the future."

Fiona Cochran, Marketing Director, Bibendum commented: "We have put a lot of investment into the LIWF with our brand new stand and believe it paid off, our producers were very happy to be here and very positive about the UK Market. Our show highlights include celebrating D'Arenberg's 100th anniversary, our 30th Birthday and of course, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee which we celebrated in style with our British Summer Time campaign."

Stephen Finch, Managing Director, Vagabond Wines commented:"I look forward to LIWF every year. As in previous years I made some good finds and managed to catch up with a bunch of people in the trade." 

Richard McKeown, UK Marketing Manager, Fratelli Martini Secondo Luigi, commented: "We enjoyed a really encouraging LIWF 2012. We were delighted to experience a lot of interest in Canti Prosecco DOC in particular, whilst the introduction of new wines such as Canti Moscato d'Asti DOCG, were also well received."

Mary Pateras, Owner, Eclectic Wines commented: "We have had really good quality visitors to the stand, a great way to celebrate our 10 years of trading; a steady stream from small independent retailers to wine educators - a really nice mix."

Jeremy Rockett, Marketing Director, Gonzalez Byass UK commented: "We had an absolutely fantastic show. We find that being proactive and having plenty of events and new product launches on our stand has meant that we got a lot of traffic driving in to taste our products. We were worried that the Thursday of the fair would be quiet but we had a very productive day, real quality rather than quantity. Overall, the show had a great array of masterclasses and seminars, we are proud to be a part of a great institution, a great industry and one that is moving with the times."

Ronan Sayburn MS, Director of Wine and Spirits, Hotel du Vin commented: "This year's LIWF was one of the best for a long while. Very interesting stands included the IWC, Wine Gang, Union des Grands Crus plus the final of Sommelier of the Year and the usual masterclasses. Lots to see and do. It seemed that more of the lesser known wine regions had more presence too - Hungary, Washington State, Uruguay and even Virginia. So a great opportunity for sommeliers and wine buyers to discover something new. Makes the trek out to Excel well worthwhile"

Richard Vose, Wine Buyer, Peckham & Rye commented: ""It was a useful show for us and we have picked up a couple of nice Italian wines and new Spanish too.  Not enough time to do everything I wanted, but I guess that's a good thing!  I thought it was pretty busy considering how quiet the trade is at the moment."

Jo Wehring, UK Market Manager, WOSA commented: "The 2012 LIWF was a successful event for Wines of South Africa. The themed tasting pods on our stand attracted a wide audience and the stand was very busy on all three days. Feedback from the agents and producers who exhibited with us was positive overall, with several companies committing to taking space in 2013. In tougher times a generic stand offers good value for those who want to reduce costs but still have a presence at the Fair, to meet with press and customers."

The 2013 event will run from 20-22 May at ExCeL.

-ends-    

31^st May 2012

For further information, please contact:

Sally Bishop                 

Relish PR                                                           

T: 07930 416 353                              

E:  sally@relish-pr.co.uk