Numbers up at LIWF

Published: 20 May, 2011

Despite tough trading conditions, attendance numbers for London's International Wine Fair have shown a slight increase, organisers Brintex have reported.

Despite tough trading conditions, attendance numbers for London's International Wine Fair have shown a slight increase, organisers Brintex have reported.

The three-day trade show closed yesterday, and the final visitor attendance figure stood at 13,745, a slight increase on the 2010 total of 13,684.

James Murray, event director, said: "The feedback we have received so far about this year's show has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite tough economic trading conditions, UK agents were out in force alongside pavilions from all the major wine producing nations, as well as exciting emerging markets. Lebanon, India and Russia reported positive business leads and gave a feeling of optimism for the coming months.

"While we're pleased that we have seen a slight increase in the visitor numbers this year, it is the quality of those visiting that is key to our exhibitors, and many have reported their most successful show for many years."

Alliance Wine's marketing director Giles Cooke MW, said: "As ever, there were very high quality attendees over the course of the three days. We have had plenty of very constructive meetings with lots of results in the bag."

Jeremy Rockett, marketing director at Gonzalez Byass, said: "We have had some very high quality journalists, customers and other visitors. Every year opportunities come out of the Fair that we could never predict."

Su Birch, Wines of South Africa's chief executive, said: "Our new format has proved very successful and we have had a steady stream of people tasting, including media and buyers. Brintex did a great job as ever."

The 2012 event will run from 22-24 May at ExCeL.

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