LIWF flies in face of recession

Published: 19 May, 2009

The London International Wine Fair and Distil have attracted the second highest visitor audience in the events' 29 year history.

The surprising result flies in the face of gloomy predictions that the recession would keep visitors away, although numbers were 7% lower than 2008.

The net visitor figure of 13,893 individuals was below 2008's record, which had beaten the previous high by nine percent.

A new record for this year's fair was the number of visitors returning to ExCeL for more than one day - 5,562 visitors visited the events for two or more days, up three percent on the previous figure.

James Murray, event director, said: "Despite the best efforts of the UK recession, global economic collapse and the threat of swine flu, we've seen excellent results. Distil, which welcomed 6,190 visitors over the three days, has strengthened its position as the dedicated spirits event to the trade and exhibitors throughout both events have been really positive about the future."

The 2010 event will run from 18-20 May at ExCeL celebrating its 30th anniversary.

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