LIWF announces plans to “reinvigorate” fair

Brintex, the organiser of the London International Wine Fair, has announced new initiatives to “reinvigorate” the show and focus on UK businesses.

One key aim is to make the fair a “must attend” event for both the on- and off-tradethe trade, by creating an event that benefits those sectors directly.

A new initiative is the “My Wine Fair” hub, which will be centrally located and give visitors the opportunity of tailoring their fair experience to best suit them.

Itineraries with seminars, tastings and individual wines can be created to make navigating the fair more practical.

The off-trade will be offered a series of perks, including travel bursary schemes for independent merchants and advice clinics on topics such as online retailing, supply chain and merchandising.

The on-trade, which has received renewed focus from the LIWF in recent years, will also see sommeliers offered pre-paid Oyster cards to get to ExCel, free glassware, networking drinks, a new opening time on Monday and perhaps a later closing time to better cater for busy schedules.

Also new to the show will be the UK Advisory Board, made up of influential individuals from the trade, who met for the first time last month to assist in shaping the 2013 fair, as they will for future shows.

Chaired by David Cox, former European director for New Zealand Winegrowers, the board’s members include: Mark Calver, Hatch Mansfield; Anne Burchett, Sopexa UK; Fiona Cochran, Bibendum Wine; Claire Harris, Mitchells & Butlers; Martin Lam, Ransome’s Dock; Carolyn D’Aguilar, Codorniu UK; Yvonne May, Wine Australia; Emily O’Hare, The River Café; Christopher Sherwood, Bottle Apostle; Matt Smith, Waitrose; Xavier Rousset MS, Texture/28°-50°; Jo Willett, Concha y Toro UK; and Hal Wilson, Cambridge Wine Merchants.

Exhibition director, James Murray, commented: “We are committed to cementing the show at the core of the UK wine industry for 2013. Whilst, as a leading industry event on the global stage, we will continue to welcome the international audience, our priority will be on the domestic market, and acknowledging the importance of the UK buying community.

“2013 will be all about connecting the visitor journey; bringing buyer and seller together more effectively. There will be other initiatives coming on-stream in the run up to the Fair, including plans for a new restaurant and briefing sessions, with high profile keynote speakers, designed to ensure wider media coverage for the industry. We are really excited about our development plans and delighted with the involvement and impact of our new Advisory Board.”