Key exhibitors return to London Wine Fair

Some of the UK’s leading importers, including Mentzendorff, Enotria and Accolade, will return to the London Wine Fair next year.

Some 20 companies have pledged to return to the fair following absences of a year or more, with many company directors citing the change of venue to Olympia and the new, flexible approach being taken as reasons for returning.

Mentzendorff’s managing director, Andrew Hawes, said he was, “very pleased that the London Wine Fair is returning to the heart of the capital and this key move, together with other impressive initiatives announced, led to our decision to return to an event which we regard as important both for our business and also for the global reputation of the UK wine market.”

Companies returning include: Accolade, Australian Vintage, De Bortoli Wines, Buckingham Schenk, Enotria, Winecellars, Eurowines, Hallgarten Druitt, Mentzendorff, Patriarche Wines, PLB and Stevens Garnier.

Show director, Ross Carter, commented: “We are delighted to see so many companies of this calibre already committing to next year, especially after a hiatus in many cases.

“We are in on-going discussions with others who are set to confirm in the next few weeks. The return of the UK’s finest reflects our strategy of creating a show which gets back to the roots of the domestic wine trade and champions independent retailers and sommeliers as well as the multiple sectors.”

PLB managing director, Peter Darbyshire, added: “We are very confident in Ross as new event director, he has taken a very proactive and flexible approach, getting out in the trade and listening and talking to people from all industry perspectives, to understand – and aim to accommodate – individual needs and objectives.

“We look forward to being involved with a re-energised and re-vamped LIWF 2014 that will hopefully surpass all expectations – and if that is the case – we are very happy to be a part of it!”