Düsseldorf, Germany, once again impressively underlined its reputation as a capital for the wine and spirits sector: after three days of activity (March 15 to 17), ProWein 2015, International Trade Fair Wines and Spirits, came to a very successful close: 5,970 exhibitors from 50 nations showcased their products.
All major wine nations and cultivating regions were represented in the nine exhibition halls – the “classics” from Europe and the New World as well as the more “exotic” such as Bolivia and Armenia. In addition, 420 spirits exhibitors from 30 countries offered classy brandies and liqueurs as well as national specialties and international classics. This product spectrum attracted more than 52,000 trade visitors, including more than 24,000 international visitors, to ProWein 2015 – an increase of 7% compared to 2014. This is largely due to the higher number of trade visitors from the U.S./Canada as well as Central and South America.
Craig Wolf, President and CEO of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, stated: “I have to say I was quite impressed with the size, scope and the tremendous variety of quality products on offer at ProWein from all over the world – all in a modern, easily navigable facility. ProWein has done an amazing job building and growing one of the premier industry trade shows, creating a multitude of opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.” Equally gratifying was the great ordering activity at ProWein 2015: 40% of the trade visitors placed orders onsite and about 44% plan to order after the trade fair.
“The international appeal of ProWein and its relevance as an order platform for the retail, restaurant and hotel trade is probably unique. Our visitors come from 123 countries – 13 more nations than last year,” explained Hans Werner Reinhard, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf. “The busy ordering activity at the trade fair itself is also of high relevance, as is post-fair activity. To sum it up: ProWein is undisputedly the world’s most important trade fair for wines and spirits.”
As in the past, trade visitors’ main interest focused on wines from Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Austria. Also noticeable was the increased interest in Champagne (20%), and sparkling wines (19%) as well as spirits (21%). Compared to last year, demand for German wines rose again by 9% to 59%. The evaluation from the German Wine Institute was therefore also positive. “From the point of view of German exhibitors, the new hall concept at ProWein was well received by trade visitors.
The move into the new exhibition halls made it possible that about 120 more companies from German winegrowing regions (a total of 960 German exhibitors) could present themselves to the international trade audience,” said Monika Reule, Managing Director of the German Wine Institute (Deutsches Weininstitut – DWI). “The eagerly awaited 2014 vintage was popular with the trade attendees. It has produced very fruity and pleasantly sleek white wines that captivate with their fresh buzz. The slightly larger harvest over last year suits the current market climate very well. This means we can better meet the continuing good demand both at home and abroad – which was once again demonstrated at this year’s ProWein.”
Austria – with 53,800 square feet the fifth largest nation at ProWein 2015 – also drew positive conclusions. “ProWein is the most important wine trade fair in Europe and the world. This is also relevant not least for the Austrian wine business,” underlined Wilhelm Klinger, Managing Director of Austria’s wine marketing board Österreich Wein Marketing. “In view of the new hall layout with the necessary move from Hall 7 into Hall 17 we have gone into the offensive and have developed an entirely new concept in terms of design, visitor guidance and catering. And I can say the concept has paid off. Our winegrowers made many good contacts from our main export markets Germany, the U.S. and the Benelux – and have also had many promising discussions with trade buyers from China and Eastern Europe.”
The ancillary program at ProWein 2015 featured more than 300 tasting sessions, lectures and presentations hosted either at the exhibitors’ stands or at the central ProWein Forum. The numerous tasting zones on the most varied themes - such as SOPEXA with its 100 selected French wines, the Champagne Lounge or the MUNDUS VINI competition - offered visitors an excellent opportunity for independent tasting. In the sprits segment, the FIZZZ Lounge with the motto “Drinks of Tomorrow” was another highlight. At the successful new “same but different” special show, ten international exhibitors demonstrated their unusual projects for production and sales.
In the evenings, the “ProWein goes City” initiative with its over 80 events in Düsseldorf was a favorite among wine enthusiasts and gourmets. Highlights included a wine evening with Chateau Palmer at Steigenberger Parkhotel and the Big Bottle Party organized by the trade magazine Falstaff.
ProWein 2015 was also a platform for presenting the other Messe Düsseldorf organized wine trade fairs ProWine China and ProWine Asia. After two successful events, ProWine China will again be held in Shanghai from November 11 - 13, 2015 with about 650 exhibitors. The premiere of ProWine Asia will take place from April 12 - 15, 2016 in Singapore. The next staging of ProWein in Düsseldorf is scheduled from March 13 - 15, 2016.
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