LIWF hits back at criticism

Published: 13 March, 2012

The organisers of the London International Wine Fair have hit back at criticism of the show after news that several high profile exhibitors have pulled out.

Last week it emerged that New Zealand Winegrowers and Australian Vintage would not be taking a stand at the fair, while PLB and others have already said they won't attend.

But James Murray, event director at organiser Brintex insisted that "it's no surprise that a handful of exhibitors have taken a break from the show for 2012" given the tough economic climate. "That said, this cycle happens every year, and just like previous editions of LIWF, there will be also be an influx of new exhibitors and producers for 2012," he added.

One example is D&D Wines, who will return to ExCel in May after a three-year break from the fair.

Brintex's marketing director Will Broadfoot added that although "a handful of major buyers travel to all the international trade fairs...to suggest that UK independent retailers, wholesalers, sommeliers and restaurateurs, bar owners and off licence buyers and staff are flying to Dusseldorf [for ProWein] is plain wrong."

While Broadfoot admitted ProWein was bigger, with around 50,000 more wines on show compared to the 20,000 at LIWF, he said it did not match the array of seminars, briefings and debates on offer in London.

This year's show will host new features including the International Wine Challenge Discovery Tasting, which will showcase wines which have entered the IWC and are seeking importers and the finals of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition.

Patrick McGrath, managing director at Hatch Mansfield, which has been exhibiting at LIWF for the past 15 years, said LIWF was "a key part of our annual calendar" as the UK market is "still critical to [our suppliers'] business".

Jo Wehring, UK market manager for Wines of South Africa said LIWF provides "an excellent platform", but said it was "vital to take a creative approach to stand out at events such as this". Last year its stand changed into The Great South African Variety Show.

Les Grands Chais de France, Wines of Lebanon and Wines of Turkey will take bigger stands this year and the major generic bodies, including Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and Spain will be in attendance alongside producers from emerging markets.

LIWF takes place from 22 to 24 May 2012.

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