'Cautious optimism' at this year's LIWF

Published: 18 May, 2010

There is a "cautious optimism" among traders at this year's London International Wine Fair.

That is the early verdict after day one of the LIWF from Keith Lay, sales director - independent and on-trade - for Ehrmanns.

Mr Lay said the mood among traders had lifted compared to last year's show, which was held against a backdrop of some of the worst trading conditions seen in years.

He said: "It has been a very busy fair so far - we have had quite a lot of major retailer buyers here.

"What we are seeing is some of the people who didn't exist last year who have come out of Threshers demise.

"Considering the general trading environment the independent trade is quite bouyant and taking advantage of the absence of Threshers.

"There is a little bit more cautious optimism around whereas last year it was a case of 'where is it going to end?'

"Now there are opportunities. Whereas last year we were down on the number of lines we were selling to the independent trade, the numbers this year are up."

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