Finally Prowein
One of the leading trade events for the wine and spirits industry made it back to the calendar. ProWein finally took place again mid-May in Dusseldorf. After the pandemic, it was the first time that the show could materialize and many wine professionals were happy to meet again. So, how was it? Well let’s find out.
A very decent restart
In terms of numbers, this year’s event can’t complain. The show attracted 5,700 exhibitors from 62 countries, and over 38,000 trade visitors from 145 countries decided to take a trip to Dusseldorf.
Normally, the show should have been earlier this year. Despite this postponement, the organizer seemed pleased with the outcome. Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf commented: “Due to the Covid peak in the 1st quarter of the year we had to postpone all our spring trade fairs to May and June and/or call them off completely, as was the case with boot. At this juncture we would like to explicitly thank our exhibitors and visitors for endorsing the postponement to May and for backing ProWein! Obviously, their commitment has paid off – because there are numerous concluded business deals reported by exhibitors.”
My 20/CENT: An interesting vintage despite the context
The aisles were quieter compared to previous editions. This feeling was confirmed by various exhibitors who told me that the number of visitors was not as impressive as in the past. This could easily be explained with the international context. Some still are concerned with the pandemic, and the Ukrainian conflict plays a huge role.
Nevertheless, all the exhibitors I met seemed happy as there were enough professionals present. And most importantly the quality of the attendees was good, meaning that many trade deals should result from the numerous encounters between exhibitors and visitors.
However, the date of the event was a nuisance for many. Sadly, due to the circumstances, the show took place in May. So, it means that at best, the first deals would concern small opportunities for the end of this year. But most signed deals will only concern business for 2023.
Finally, I will not forget to mention that Hall 7 was the place to be. The same but different concept with its standard booths, trendy layout and many innovations and young companies was again a hit. Any professional visiting the show who would not make a tour in that area of the exhibition, would simply have missed opportunities.
All in all, this edition of ProWein proved that the show is still an essential event for the wine and spirits industry. I guess we can say that despite the context, this year’s show was a good vintage.
PS: don’t miss the article about the trends and innovations noted at the show
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