The World Bulk Wine Exhibition held in Amsterdam in November saw a 30% increase in exhibitors on last year.
The c held in Amsterdam in November saw a 30% increase in exhibitors on last year.
A total of 130 wine companies from 11 countries across the five continents took part in the fourth exhibition which saw 4,000 visitors pass through its doors. Organisers said this year is the most important yet since the creation of the event, as the representatives of over 60 countries hold purchasing power of nearly 30 million hl, well above the capacity for supply.
Trade in bulk wine during 2011 amounted to about 4,000 million litres, worth around €2,500 million. This volume is expected to fall, due to the drop in harvest in the three main producing countries, Spain, Italy and France. In contrast, Argentina, Australia, Chile and New Zealand witnessed a slight increase.
France had the highest representation of wineries at the exhibition, with 35 in total, followed by Spain, with Castilla La Mancha as the region with the largest number of participants (19). The other producing countries, according to number of wineries, were: Italy (23), Argentina (12), South Africa (10), Chile (8) and Uruguay, as well as Australia, the US, Portugal and Liechtenstein.
The event saw the opening of the new Silent Tasting Room, where buyers and industry professionals come to taste the different qualities of bulk wine offered. A series of talks also took place including "Recent changes in the global wine market with a focus on bulk wine", which was presented by Federico Castellucci, director general of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
The World Bulk Wine Exhibition is organised by Spanish company Pomona Keepers. See worldbulkwine.com for more information.