"ProWein has once again presented itself as the leading international trade fair for the wine and spirits sector. To achieve this, it takes a great deal of passion. We have once again given our best to be not just good, but better," says Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf.
Some mixed reactions from exhibitors
Our sister publication WEINWIRTSCHAFT gathered these first impressions:
- Germany and new world:
German exhibitors who had been critical of last year’s event were very satisfied. Many German distributors and wineries in Hall 4 were also pleased with the attendance levels and the quality of the visitors. Halls 13 and 14, home to large US, Australian, South African and other New World stands, were also very well attended.
- Italy and Spain:
There were few complaints sizeable in the Italian and Spanish halls. Although they were not quite as well attended, exhibitors were pleased at the number of international visitors.
- France and Austria:
There were more critical voices from some French producers. However, the French trade journal Vitisphere noted a clear difference between the two French halls. In the Austria hall, too, opinions were quite mixed.
World of Zero
The events and tasting zone in this area were very popular. The new World of Zero – a joint venture between Meininger Verlag and ProWein, dedicated to de-alcoholised products – was extremely well attended.
Some star glamour
A little star glamour was brought by the visit of Kylie Minogue, who presented the range of wines that have achieved sales of over 8 million bottles in under three years. Of particular interest was her pink, wine-based mixed drink, branded as a Zero-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.
Disruptive Strike
For both the visitors and the 6,000 exhibitors, the local public transport strike was highly inconvenient. However, they appreciated the efforts of the fair organisers in offering a shuttle service between the venue and the main railway station and the airport. While it was possible to get visitors to the much more easily better than had been feared, many of those with appointments in the city on Monday evening struggled. Tuesday evening was much better. Taxis were quite easy to get at the end of the fair.
Relief all round
Messe Düsseldorf has reasons for to feel relieved: Many buyers who had stayed away last year were back. And for most visitors and exhibitors it was a fair at which they did good business. But ProWein’s organisers still have work to do in fighting odd competition from Wine Paris – Vinexpo where costs of participation and accommodation are lower.
A more detailed report will follow shortly.
