LIWF reveals impressive support

The 30th London International Wine Fair organiser, Brintex, reports significant growth in the sizes of many of the international pavilions, as well as an increased presence by several UK agents.

Europe will see some of the most substantial increases in stand size, with Hungary, Austria, Georgia and Germany all augmenting their floor space.  Croatia, back at the LIWF for its second year, is almost tripling the size of its stand for the 2010 LIWF from 35m² in 2009 to around 100m² this year.  Macedonia is also anticipating increased presence in 2010.  Organisers, Brintex, are currently in talks with a number of Russian wine producers, who are expecting to exhibit generically at the LIWF for the first time. 

Representing over 25% of the entire Fair, the pavilions and regions from France, Spain and Italy will also show growth for 2010.  France leads the way as the largest overall exhibitor and promises an eclectic mix of producers and a host of events.  Spain follows with increased regional participation from La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa.  New regions are also expected from Italy and will be joined by ICE (Italian Trade Commission), who will be raising the profile of Italian wine through a variety of activities at the Fair.  

Growth is not just restricted to the old world.  From South America, Argentina, Chile and Wines from Brazil are back this year with larger footprints too.

There will be a number of new faces at the LIWF this year, including Copestick Murray Wine Solutions, Marie Brizard and new Italian wine distributor, Grossi Wines.  Cellar Trends and Bodegas Julian Chivite are a few of the companies that return after a break.  The familiar face of Pernod Ricard is increasing its stand size by 50%, while JE Fells and JeanJean double in size. 

Adrian Atkinson, wine development director for Pernod Ricard UK commented: “The LIWF is a key event in our wine trade calendar. This year we are increasing the size of our stand to maximise our impact over the three day event as we showcase our wines and spirits portfolio to a key trade audience.  As a global business, the event provides us with a vital opportunity to introduce our winemakers to the trade, showcase NPD and conduct business face-to-face with our UK and international customers.”

In order to take advantage of the extensive improvement at ExCeL, Distil, now in its third year, will join the LIWF in the South hall adjacent to the West Entrance.  The venue upgrading has also provided an opportunity to enhance the floorplan layout to allow better traffic flow for all and encourage significant crossover from the LIWF to Distil.

1 February 2010 - Felicity Murray