ProWein 2020 has been postponed over safety concerns regarding the spread of Coronavirus, with organisers now working on alternative dates for the wine and spirits trade fair.
In a statement regarding the decision, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, which hosts ProWein said it had made the decision after discussions with the German government and making risk assessments.
“We are following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German government to take into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when making a risk assessment of major events,” the company said.
“On the basis of this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of infected persons, including in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. Added to this is the uncertainty of numerous exhibitors and visitors at ProWein and the complicated travel situation, especially for international customers.”
Werner M. Dornscheidt, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH: “Our customers, partners and employees trust us. Not only when it comes to the professional and successful handling of major international events in Düsseldorf. They can also have this trust in us when we make decisions about critical situations in the interests of their safety.”
“This decision was not an easy one for all concerned,” says Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. “But the postponement at the present time is necessary for Messe Düsseldorf and its customers in view of the increasingly dynamic developments.”
ProWein hosts around 7000 producers and suppliers from over 60 countries across 10 giant halls. With over 60,000 international trade visitors expected at the event, organisers faced with concerns of the increasing global spread of Coronavirus and its escalation in Europe had little choice but to postpone event.
Last month organisers of ProWine Asia 2020, which was due to take part in Singapore from 31 March to 3 April, also postponed that event.