London Wine Fair reports "significant increase" in footfall to this year's show
The London Wine Fair organisers have reported a “significant increase” in attendees this year, up by 17% compared to 2017.
Around 14,250 vistitors were present at what was the 38th Fair, though the first under the stewardship of Hannah Tovey who joined as head of the event in July 2017.
The increased footfall has been attributed to new features at the show, including the Innovation Zone, the Education Zone and Drinks Britannia, which celbrated Britsih drinks including wine, beers, cider and spirits.
Investment in the show’s database and a completely revised marketing plan also paid dividends, ensuring that the targeted audience was more relevant than before.
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s show and the support from all quarters of the industry,” said Tovey. “Our priority was always about delivering the right audience to our exhibitors and our investment in this has really paid off. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from longstanding, returning and first-time exhibitors, many of which have already reserved their spaces for 2019. We are already working on next year’s show which will be a critical time for the UK industry as Brexit becomes a reality. More than ever before we will need a Fair that champions the UK as a leading market for wine.”
Exhibitors and visitors alike were certainly effusive in their praise for this year’s show.
“We have been rammed the whole time with very good quality visitors,” said Patcik McGrath, the managing director of Hatch Mansfield. “We are rather amazed that more companies like us aren’t here.”
Jo Wehring, market manager for Wines of South Africa, also reported a productive event. “We have had a jam-packed show full of the right people with lots of innovation,” she said. “It has been great to have brand South African back in the leading export market.”
Arabella Woodrow, director of wine at Broadland Wines said there was a “real buzz" about the show, with a good balance of stands and producers. “The calibre of visitor was good as well,” she added.
Next year's London Wine Fair will take place at Olympia from 20th to 22nd May.