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Read more insights in the latest issue of Gama News
Serving as a focal point for the wine industry in the UK, London Wine Fair (LWF) returned for its latest outing this spring, welcoming just over 400 exhibitors to the Kensington Olympia showgrounds in London for three days of learning, networking and deal-making.
Focusing heavily on visitor “quality” as a key metric, show organisers reported that while attendee numbers were slightly down on 2023 to 9,243, levels of engagement were up, with two fifths of visitors making using of the show’s online planning tool. LWF also welcomed the return of heavyweights such as Hatch Mansfield, Felix Solis, ABS and Mentzendorff to the exhibitor lineup. Among the country pavilions, Japan made its first ever appearance at the show, with an emphasis on sake, while there was also a greater presence from Rest of World producers, and South Africa returned after a six-year absence.
Away from the main exhibition space, LWF offered up an Education Zone for visitors to brush up on their wine knowledge, as well as “masterclasses”, blind tastings in the Walk-Up theatre, and industry insights on the Centre Stage. Other features included a dedicated area for start-ups and the announcement of the winners of the Harpers 30 Under 30 award and The Wine Buyers Award.
Out on the show floor, one of the most striking trends on show was the move away from traditional glass bottles towards metal drinks cans, evidence of the shift in the industry towards convenient single serve formats; as well, perhaps, as the sustainability benefits of lighter weight packaging. A focus on younger demographics was also suggested by these packaging choices, especially the preponderance of sparkling wine and alcohol-free wine in cans and the use of colourful, eye-catching designs.
Aside from packaging, other efforts in differentiation among exhibiting companies included a wine fermented with honey, a chianti “aged under the sea”, and a non-alcoholic sparkling tea promoted as a wine substitute.
LWF returns to the Kensington Olympia on 19th May 2025.
