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Inaugural Wine+ gets thumbs-up from trade

Andrew Evans, managing director of FreshRM, who created the concept for Wine+, said: I have been overwhelmed by the levels of support received from the trade and I am delighted at the quality of visitors and the amount of business that has clearly been done. Wine+ was the result of years of research - we recognised what the on-trade was missing and aimed to fill a gap in the market.

The comments from visitors and exhibitors alike have confirmed the need for a dedicated on-trade show.'

Sue Woodward, show director, added: Launching a new show is always an unknown entity, but early feedback suggests that our assumptions about the trade were correct. Visitor numbers were strong, though we will certainly be looking to increase footfall in 2008. More important though was the quality of those attending, as this show is about doing business. The fact that 32 stands have already been contracted for next year is testament to the success of the event.'

Giles Cooke MW, wine development director with Alliance Wines, told Harpers: My feeling is that it was good and it was nice to be back at a smaller, more compact show after the rather impersonal feel of the London wine trade fair.

It was a bit slow early on, but the quality of contacts later on for a company like us, that is new to the London on-trade, was good. I think the time of year is useful for on-trade distributors and I think it will become part of the wine trade calendar.'

Keith Lay, marketing director of Ehrmanns, was disappointed with the attendance at Wine+. He said: The set-up was good, there was a good quality of stands and they had some great ideas. I know Thursday was affected by the appalling weather, but the feedback for Wednesday was that it was quite quiet. I still think the show is a good idea and we need a show like it. I have a bit of an issue with Olympia, in that if the tube isn't working properly, it's pretty inaccessible.'

Wine+ has attracted a high calibre of visitor,' said Ben Drummond, marketing manager for Berkmann Wine Cellars, while Kevin McKee of Mot Hennessy, said: Excellent quality of visitor, we had some strong business leads.' Clio Boyce of Waverley TBS said: This was a well-organised event with the right ideas.' Michael Roberts, owner of RidgeView English sparkling wine said: Wine+ has the makings of a really good show.'

Ian Ronald, chief executive of Armit, said: I thought it was well organised and the venue was great. The mornings were very quiet - disappointingly so - but the quality of people in the afternoon more than justified our decision to attend. I think they just need to find a way to get people to go in the morning or just start later.'

Next year's Wine+ will again be held at Olympia, on 16

and 17 January 2008. For further information visit www.wineplus.co.uk or call FreshRM on +44 (0)20 7886 3077.

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