Winews / ProWein Dusseldorf Day 3 – 15.03 Conclusions

ProWein’s line-up attracted over 55,000 trade visitors from throughout the world to Düsseldorf – corresponding to some 6% over last year (2015: 52,000 trade visitors from 123 countries).

ProWein is increasingly becoming a top global event: this year visitors travelled from 126 different countries. One in two visitors came to Düsseldorf from abroad. The highest rise outside Europe was posted by visitors from Overseas, mainly from Asia. Overall, we are seeing a trend where ProWein is primarily attracting decision-makers with great purchasing responsibility: over 70% of visitors came from top or middle management. The success of the trade fair was also highly rated: one in two visitors confirmed in the third day that they found new suppliers and two-thirds were able to go home with useful info on trends and innovations. Just under 96% stated they had entirely reached the goals of their trade fair visit. “Figures clearly show that ProWein is the world’s most important business platform for the entire sector. This is where the trade fair budgets are spent. And also for the major, prizewinning wine estates ProWein has now become the absolute must-attending event,” says Hans Werner Reinhard, Managing Director Messe Düsseldorf, summing up the success of ProWein 2016.

At a smaller scale, but still significant, the success was felt at Premium Wines of Romania’s stand as well. More producers, more wines, more visitors, more attention. “We prepared for this event since November 2015 by settling meetings with buyers and the press. ProWein is very important to us so we want to make the most of it.” said Miron Radic, Export Manager at Liliac Winery. And they did. Even if they worked together as a team representing the brand of a country, or individual, talking about their own wines, the Romanian wine producers managed to make the most out of ProWein Dusseldorf.

“Romanians are known for the love they have for their land. Winemaking is one of the oldest activities here and the wine we make reflects the respect we have for nature’s kindness for giving us such great terroir. The Romanian Wine Promotion Association (Ro: Asociația pentru Promovarea Vinului Românesc) is an interregional organization which brings together some of the most dedicated Romanian wine producers. APVR wineries come from all the important wine regions in Romania, recognized and protected. As an enthusiastic team filled with high expectations, the association is committed to set high standards in Romania’s wine culture and to create a strong impact on the international wine market.” stated Ana Rodica Capatina, President of the Romanian Wine Promotion Association.

Caroline Gilby Master of Wine, at the last tasting at the stand, on the third day, presented only wines from indigenous grape varieties and talked more about the country’s lovely terroir, just to be sure she leaves a great mark and a statement. A statement that, just like the slogan said, wines of Romania were a well kept secret, but they don’t have to be one anymore, that foreigners should invest in wineries and connoisseurs should take interest in the wines. Because a lot of times, different is good.