LIWF stresses positive outlook

The organisers of the London International Wine Fair have stressed the number of high-profile attendees this year as several importers drop out.

With the news that several major importers will not be attending this year’s show, including Liberty, Mentzendorff and Buckingham Schenk, Brintex has said that it still expects over 500 exhibitors.

Awin Barratt Siegel, Gonzalez Byass, J E Fells, Copestick Murray, Hatch Mansfield, Seckford’s and Treasury Wine Estates are all still attending

Gonzalez Byass’ marketing manager, Jeremy Rockett, commented: “The team at Gonzalez Byass UK is already busily planning for another successful London Wine Fair. With the expansion of our portfolio we always have something new to show, this time the excitingly different Chilean wines from Undurraga, especially their innovative T.H. range.

“The show is what you make it; we pack the diary with appointments, organise exciting events on our stand, attend seminars and talks, and we keep an eye out for those opportunities that always seem to pop up from being at the show. With the new format, we’re looking forward to welcoming more on trade visitors as well as our usual customers and friends.”

Show director, Ross Carter, added: “While we are undeniably disappointed that some agents won’t be taking part this year, we still have a broad spectrum of exhibitors signed up, including a number of the UK’s best agents and importers. In addition, there will be many hundreds of smaller producers coming – many seeking UK representation for the first time – and who collectively reflect what the show has always been about, that sense of discovery.

“Come May, we will see over 10,000 buyers and key influencers descend on London’s ExCeL, many of them from the independent and on-trade sectors that exhibitors are increasingly keen to court. We are working hard to ensure their attendance through a combination of providing strong content while assisting with travel bursaries, Oyster card incentives and voucher giveaways.”