WBWE: Online business here to stay

After the first-ever digital edition of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition, its organisers believe getting ahead in online business and communication is critical.

This year’s digital edition of the WBWE Exhibition, called WBWE Connect, took place from 23 November to 4 December.

Organisers stressed that while the platform was “extremely new” and had a “long road ahead for improvements”, its first outing had been “useful and important in order to asses its future”.

Using the technology, around 100 wineries from 13 different countries were able to connect with importers, purchasing managers and distributors, conducting more than 30 meetings a day.

The WBWE developed a personalised system for meetings, known as matching, by using a team specialising in wine imports, which put companies together based on their requirements.

WBWE said the results of the two-week event show its “platform has become a benchmark for personalised meetings among professionals”.

The trade event has also launched a new online talk show, featuring industry expert Robert Joseph, who interviews prominent players in the field and examines current concerns and trends in the sector.

The statement concluded: “This pandemic will pass, but online business is here to stay; so, those who understand the rules of the game beforehand will be the ones who will have the greatest capacity to strengthen their leadership in the future.

“The WBWE was created with a clear commitment: bulk wine trade, its transparency and the vindication of its quality. 12 years have gone by, and Connect was created with the same idea, yet we are aware that there is a lot of room for improvement and we hope to be able to go through it with you.

“WBWE Connect has been the online platform with which the WBWE, the biggest trade fair devoted to bulk wine worldwide, has succeeded in maintaining the trade for the majority of its clients.”