The London International Wine Fair closed on Thursday, May 19th with both exhibitors and visitors reporting a very successful event. The three-day show by Brintex was praised yet again, as was the quality of the visitors attending the event.
The Timetable was full and varied filled with interesting briefings, seminars, tastings and master classes, which covered a wide range of industry topics.
The final visitor attendance figure stood at 13,754, a slight increase on the 2010 total of 13,684.
For reference 4,680 exhibitors personnel attended the LIWF.
Some of the comments:
James Murray, Event Director commented: “The feedback we have received so far about this year’s show has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite tough economic trading conditions, UK agents were out in force alongside pavilions from all the major wine producing nations, as well as exciting emerging markets. Lebanon, India and Russia reported positive business leads and gave a feeling of optimism for the coming months. Whilst we’re pleased that we have seen a slight increase in the visitor numbers this year, it is the quality of those visiting that is key to our exhibitors, and many have reported their most successful show for many years.”
Bernard de Lague, Commercial Director, Chateaux Palmer said: “There has been a great turnout at the show, and gladly at the tasting I held. It has all gone very well.”
Matthew Dickinson, Commercial Director, Thierry’s commented: “Thierry’s had a truly exciting trade fair this year in sponsoring the Access Zone. This allowed us to work on some really innovative communication projects with Vrazon and Brintex and we were delighted with both the number and quality of visitors, both real and virtual!”
Giles Cooke MW, Marketing Director, Alliance Wine said:
“As ever, there were very high quality attendees over the course of the three days. We have had plenty of very constructive meetings with lots of results in the bag.”
Su Birch, CEO, Wines of South Africa commented:
“Our new format has proved very successful and we have had a steady stream of people tasting, including media and buyers. Brintex did a great job as ever.”
Veririea Codrean, Celebrity Cruise Line said:
“I have had a terrific time! The lectures and tastings have been valuable. The Beaujolais tasting with Joe Wadsack was lively and very interesting.”
Alexandre Bonnefoy, Ex-Sommelier, Viajante commented:
“I enjoyed the Matt Stamp and Hamish Anderson tasting. Throughout the show there has been a great selection of wines.”
The 2012 event will run from 22-24 May at ExCeL, London.
