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New World to hold own global trade show?

Published:  23 July, 2008

They're not shouting from the rooftops, but it seems highly likely that the major southern hemisphere generic bodies are to unite and organise a show to rival Vinexpo and the LIWSF.

Details are sketchy at the moment, but early discussions suggest that Australia, South Africa and Chile are all on board and are now deciding if the idea can become reality.

Harpers understands that the idea originated from Wines of South Africa (WOSA), although with Cape 2006 full steam ahead', as WOSA CEO Su Birch put it, it would make South Africa an unlikely venue for the debut show, which could take place as early as 2007.

Michael Cox, the UK director of Wines of Chile, told Harpers that what the southern hemisphere really needs' is an international wine fair that:

takes places at a time that suits the southern hemisphere - ie September/October';

is not Franco-centric';

is run properly';

is sufficiently well supported by both exhibitor and attendee'; is attractive to the trade from ALL countries, especially the US and the Far East'.

Cox added that while he thought the wineries would be very keen' to attend such a show, he wondered if the rest of the trade would find trips to Melbourne, Cape Town and Santiago more vital than biannual treks to the heat, traffic, ripped carpets and chteaux of Bordeaux. That is the €64,000 question.'

Wine Australia's UK & Ireland director, Paul Henry, admitted that he had been approached by relevant countries', and said he would look at any proposals, adding that he would be in favour of a response to what's currently available'.

He said: October would better suit showcasing the new-vintage wines from the New World. There's a certain amount of dissatisfaction with the current options. Having just returned from Vinexpo, we are certainly conscious that in a market driven by the New World, in terms of consumption, it's difficult to position a biennial show as truly representative if it doesn't represent that movement.'

Birch was more guarded, and would only say that WOSA had been brainstorming ideas for the future, and that includes new show concepts'.

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