ProWein breaks Attendance Record with 38,000 visitors

By James Wells in Düsseldorf

ProWein 2011 has set a new attendance record with over 38,000 visitors attending the event which featured 3,600 exhibitors from 50 countries – five percent up on the previous record.

According to the event organisers, Messe Dusseldorf, there was a higher attendance of international visitors from Great Britain, Scandinavia, the USA and Canada as well as a strong Asian buying contingent from China, Thailand and Hong Kong as well as Eastern Europe.

Over 20 Australian wineries were represented at the exhibition, despite the decision by Wine Australia not to present an Australian country stand at the event.

Among the largest stands were Constellation Wines ahead of their re-branding as Accolade Wines, Treasury Wine Estates, De-Bortoli Wines and Littore Family Wines promoting the Jinda-Lee range.

Australian wineries reported that despite export pressure from the high exchange rate, attendance at the event was a cost-effective way to meet existing distributors and suppliers as well as attracting new business and networking with global buyers.

New Zealand Wines were well represented at the event with a dedicated country stand consisting of 18 companies including: Gisesen Wines, Villa Maria Estate, Mud House Wines, Spy Valley Wines, Ara, Auntsfield Estate, Coopers Creek Vineyard, Distant Land Vintners, Elephant Hill, Framingham Wines, Huia Vineyards, Hunter's Wines, Konrad Wines, Kumeu River Wines, Man O' War Vineyards, Waipara West and Yealands Estate.

Next year's ProWein will be held earlier than this year's event – from 4-6 March 2012.

Click on the video below to hear from Scott Washington – Negociants general manager international sales, shot exclusively for TheShout at ProWein.

Click on the video below to hear from Robby Robinson – D'Aquino international operations director.