UK wine market is stronger with LIWF claims Brintex

Brintex, the organisers of the LIWF, believes that the UK industry is more than worthy of hosting a world-class wine trade event such as the London International Wine Fair.  The UK remains an extremely important trading nation to many of the world's producers and as a country without any bias towards wine provenance, its unique position will always lend itself to staging an exciting trade event designed to stimulate business and growth.

Exhibition director James Murray commented: "these are tough economic times, and it's no surprise that a handful of exhibitors have taken a break from the show for 2012. That said, this cycle happens every year, and just like previous editions of LIWF, there will be also be an influx of new exhibitors and producers for 2012, and that's really important to visiting buyers.  A good example of this is D&D Wines, who are back with their own stand after a break of three years."

Comparisons to other trade events, such as Germany's Prowein, are common, but Brintex firmly believe there's room for more than one major event in the calendar, especially in consideration of the LIWF's unique characteristics.

Marketing director Will Broadfoot summed up the feeling: "There are a handful of major buyers that travel to all the international trade fairs, London included, but to suggest that UK independent retailers, wholesalers, sommeliers and restaurateurs, bar owners and off licence buyers and staff are flying to Dusseldorf is plain wrong.  Of course Prowein is "bigger", I'm sure they have at least 50,000 wines to our 20,000 on offer, but we have a programme of accompanying seminars, events, press briefings, debates, masterclasses and tastings that are second to none. They play a big part in why so many buyers, from all over the world, still choose to visit LIWF and do business at the Fair."

The UK market is also widely regarded as a key trend setter.  Murray added: "I've spent time with buyers from the US through to the Scandinavian monopolies and they all regard the UK as being the exceptional innovator in terms of consumption patterns. The Fair really reflects this and so it remains an invaluable opportunity for many of these key visitors."

Brintex expect a strong turnout at this year's show. Visitors should expect a combination of exhibitor stalwarts as well as new generics and producers providing a refreshed look.  In addition, a number of new features have been created to ensure the LIWF remains a must attend event: the International Wine Challenge Discovery Tasting, which will showcase wines which have entered the IWC and are seeking importers; the Independent Business Lounge in association with Off Licence News; The Small Independents Pavilion; the LIWF Matchmaker tool and the finals of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition.  The Fair will also welcome the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux with a tasting of the 2008 vintage and sees the return of a dedicated On-trade Theatre.

Patrick McGrath, managing director at Hatch Mansfield, comments: "Hatch Mansfield has been a consistent supporter of the LIWF for over 15 years. We are responsible for managing the sales and marketing of all our suppliers in the UK market, which despite all its challenges is still critical to their business.  The LIWF is therefore a key part of our annual calendar - at no other point in the year do we get such an opportunity to see so many customers in a condensed timeframe to showcase new wines, taste new vintages, make plans for the forthcoming year and for our suppliers to meet the gatekeepers and understand this market at first hand. It is a great way to talk to existing and new customers in all trade channels be it independents, wholesalers, sommeliers, duty free / travel retail or national accounts. For us it is always a thoroughly productive and exhaustive week."

Jo Wehring, UK market manager, WOSA comments: "The UK is the leading export market for South African wines and the LIWF provides an excellent platform for showcasing our strengths to an audience of UK and international trade. It's vital to take a creative approach to stand out at events such as this, hence Wines of South Africa last year launched The Great South African Variety Show, highlighting the treasure-trove of winemaking possibilities that we can offer."

Les Grands Chais de France is returning with a bigger stand as is Wines of Lebanon.  Major generics, including Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and Spain  will also be returning with Turkey taking 40% more space this year. Producers and pavilions from emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, Ukraine and Israel will also be taking stands this year, as well as most major Eastern European countries. Top UK agents will be present, including Bibendum Wine, Boutinot, Codorniu, Enotria Winecellars, Hatch Mansfield, JE Fells, Mentzendorff and Treasury Wine Estates EMEA.  In Distil, Hungary will be taking a generic pavilion alongside other new exhibitors including Spirits do Brasil and Maison de la Vodka.

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