On-trade big guns sign up for Wine+

Published: 23 July, 2008

Wine+, the launch event from Fresh RM for the on-trade in London and the Home Counties, is gathering real momentum. Since its launch in February 2006, a host of leading suppliers and brand owners have confirmed they will be taking part in this Harpers-supported event.

Two of the UK's biggest wholesalers, WaverleyTBS and Matthew Clark, have joined as launch partners alongside Berkmann Wine Cellars, Bibendum, Hayman Barwell Jones, Wines of Chile, Harpers and Caterer & Hotelkeeper.

The on-trade has been missing a wine show dedicated to its needs,' says Graham Donald, marketing director at Matthew Clark. This event promises to be exciting, full of original concepts and opportunities to get new ideas and gain knowledge.'

Wine+ is billing itself as the only dedicated wine event for the on-trade'. All the participants have been vetted to ensure that they can supply the on-trade direct, so that visitors can be sure that all the wines shown at the event are easily accessible.

We've actually had to turn business away if companies cannot supply the on-trade direct or their wholesaler is not represented,' said event director Sue Woodward.

Harpers, sponsor of the Business Clinic', will be helping to put together a programme of talks and presentations all designed to increase profit from wine sales. Christian Davis, Harpers editor, said: We are currently starting to plan our programme for the Business Clinic and we are interested in hearing from anybody who has a view on what subjects we should cover, and any companies wishing to get involved in putting on a seminar.'

He can be contacted on Christian.davis@harpers-wine.com

An impressive list of participants is already confirmed, including: Ellis of Richmond, FGL Wine Estates, Laytons, Alliance Wines, Brown Forman, Moreno, Maison Marques et Domaines, Hallgarten, Coe Vintners, Eurowines, Sopexa, Bianca Trading, V Drinks and Sherlock Wines.

This promises to be an important event which recognises the importance and individual needs of the on-trade. As a brand owner it allows us to communicate directly with a variety of customers in a focused environment,' commented, Calum Grant-Wood, business sector controller for FGL Wine Estates.

Added value

Visitors to the event will also benefit from a series of added-value attractions on the event floor designed to deliver information and ideas to increase profit through wine sales.

Content for these attractions is being steered by the Wine+ Advisory Board comprising launch partners, wine consultant Peter McCombie MW and members of the on-trade, including: Christine Parkinson from Hakkasan Group; Murray J Harris, operator of several London gastro pubs; and Martin Lam of Ransome's Dock restaurant, among others.

We know that we have to deliver compelling and valuable content to interest on-trade visitors, so we're lining up targeted attractions tailored

for visitors across all sectors, including restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs and contract caterers. We'll also be holding focus groups over the coming months to research our ideas further,' said Andrew Evans, managing director of Fresh RM.

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