Exhibitors rally early for LWF 2015

London Wine Fair’s organisers have reported strong exhibitor support for its revamped format as stand bookings fill up well ahead of the 2015 show.

Following the close of its priority booking period for those UK agents, importers, brand owners and distributors who attended this year’s event, LWF confirmed that 83% had already rebooked for 2015. Attendees will include Australian Vintage, recently merged business The Bibendum PLB Group, Concha y Toro UK, González Byass UK, Hatch Mansfield, John E. Fells, Mentzendorff & Co, Negociants UK and Stevens Garnier.

A month after bookings opened for new exhibitors or those returning to the fair after a break, LWF confirmed the presence of companies including McKinley Vintners, Berkmann Wine Cellars, The Wine Fusion, Continental Wines, Fortyfive10, Guy Anderson Wines, and newly created agency business North South Wines, which incorporates De Bortoli Wines within its 19-strong portfolio.

Katherine Wilson, marketing manager at McKinley Vintners, explained the company’s decision to return to the fair after the event revamped its format and moved back to the central London Olympia venue last year. “It’s been several years since we last exhibited at the LWF but we feel that the new, fresh look and a greater focus on the UK means the LWF is now the key event in the wine trade calendar and simply unmissable for companies such as ourselves”, she remarked.

“We’re excited at the opportunity to directly target customers from all areas of the trade who may not be aware of the brands and products we can offer and we’re looking forward to working with the teams behind the fair to best maximise the opportunities for our suppliers from Champagne to Port.”

Among the first time exhibitors for 2015 The Wine Fusion’s managing director Christopher Smith explained that the decision was based on a major supplier who took at stand at this year’s event and was “very impressed with the quality of the visitors, as well as the business that we generated.”

Outlining plans to show off the company’s exclusive label offer and new joint venture projects currently underway in South Africa and California at the 2015 fair, Smith added: “We were also impressed that the cost to exhibit has returned to sensible rather than silly money for exhibitors such as ourselves.”

Next year will see LWF move into the larger venue of Olympia’s Grand Hall, which will add an extra 10% to its available space. However, show director Ross Carter insisted: “Our priority is not to dramatically expand the show, and we remain committed to restrictions on stand size. Having said that, there is scope to increase organically and also to take advantage of a better space which is easier to navigate.”

London Wine Fair will run from 18-20 May 2015. For more information contact wine@hgluk.com