LIWF a success despite fewer visitors

By Lucy Britner

Published: 24 May, 2013

Exhibitors and organisers of the London International Wine Fair have hailed it a success despite more than 3,000 fewer visitors compared to 2012.

Visitor numbers hit 10,200 this year, down on last year's 13,431. But organiser Brintex claimed the 2013 figure exceeded its goal of 10,000 visitors, which was "a reduced target in line with exhibitor numbers".

Several exhibitors have praised the show and Robin Copestick, managing director of Copestick Murray, said: "It has been brilliant. The quality has been the best ever and we are extremely happy."

Treasury Wine Estates, which counts Penfolds among its brands took a large stand. The company's Dan Townsend, general manager for the UK and western Europe, said: "We have found it truly valuable seeing an excellent range of customers and we are really looking forward to next year and all the exciting plans ahead."

Brintex said the move to a Monday from the usual Tuesday start "proved successful with over 4,000 visitors attending on that day" - and next year's show is to start on a Monday.

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: "The UK is one of the world's largest wine markets and the LIWF is a great way to showcase why wine is such an important economic and social contributor to the UK. The WSTA valued the opportunity to meet with so many of our members and those involved with the trade more generally at LIWF 2013. We look forward to next year's event at Olympia."

The show will return to Olympia in 2014 as the London Wine Fair, with a renewed focus on the UK market including sections for bulk and boutique wine importers. The London Wine Fair will run from Monday June 2 to Wednesday June 4, 2014.

Ross Carter, event director, said: "There is no doubt that 2013 has been the most challenging show to date and it is no secret that there were setbacks earlier this year when a handful of key exhibitors pulled out. Having said that, many companies which did exhibit reported a very rewarding fair and a good number of companies which have not had a presence over the past three years have either committed to, or made positive comments about, a return next year. We could feel the renewed energy and optimism over the last three days and a sense of excitement over the return to Olympia next year."

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