India moves into the focus of the wine and spirits industry
December 11th – At the third staging of ProWine Mumbai in November 2023, 164 companies with over 1,000 brands from 21 countries presented their products on 5,000 square meters gross to 5,059 trade visitors from 24 nations. As part of the ProWein family of trade fairs, it is organized by Messe Düsseldorf India and the Indian industry expert All Things Nice.
The range of exhibitors and countries represented at the trade fair demonstrated the great interest of the global wine and spirits industry in the growth market of India. Participating countries included Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Columbia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Peru, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the U.S. The French Pavilion managed by Business France as well as national pavilions from Argentina, Australia, Chile, Italy, Northern Ireland, Portugal and the U.S. showcased their national vintners. In the spirits segment, visitors were able to get acquainted with the producers of gin, vodka, single malts, rum, tequila and mezcal and taste their products.
Peter Schmitz, Director of ProWein and responsible for ProWein World, explained: “I am delighted to see that ProWine Mumbai has succeeded in creating a comprehensive platform for the industry in as little as three years since its launch. The 2023 edition brought more international flair and a wider variety of the Indian wine and spirits industry. Visitors enjoyed a diverse range of wines, spirits and craft beverages. In Masterclasses taught by experts they learnt more about taste, aroma and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the trade fair provided talented bartenders and spirits brands with a very special platform by means of the newly created ProWine Barkeeper Competition and the ProWine Spirits Challenge. The success of the trade fair is reflected by the enthusiasm of the satisfied participants, who are already looking forward to the next edition of ProWine Mumbai.”
“Year on year, ProWine Mumbai exceeds our expectations. We are incredibly proud to have established this platform. We feel honored to see so many importers and producers exhibit their brands. We are firmly convinced that now is the time for India and we look forward to organizing future editions of ProWine Mumbai. Promoting the wine, spirits and craft beverage sector and helping new brands to enter the Indian market has always been our goal,” added Nikhil Agarwal, Founder – All Things Nice and co-organizer of ProWine Mumbai.
Supporting program with masterclasses and top events
Alongside exhibiting producers, the varied ancillary program was another highlight for visitors. In addition to numerous master classes, the ProWine Spirits Challenge and the ProWine Bartenders’ Competition were held for the first time. The blind tasting and detailed evaluation of spirits such as whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and liqueurs provided participating brands with interesting insights into what Indian consumers really like and what they pay attention to as shoppers.
The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition offered talented Indian bartenders an exceptional platform to show their skills. Bartenders are the “backbone” for optimal spirits presentation and winning cocktail competitions has also proven to be one of the most effective ways to gain recognition in India.
The first ProWine Mumbai Night was a glamorous affair. The networking event in the elegant Lotus Ballroom brought together leading authorities of the wine and spirits industry, including renowned personalities from the hospitality industry, relevant media representatives and key exhibitors from all over the world. The India Wine Awards, selected by the Sonal Holland Wine Academy, were presented at the ProWine Mumbai Night. This Award is the most prestigious in the country, setting standards by recognizing the best domestic and international wines available on the Indian market.
The next edition of ProWine Mumbai will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on November 8 and 9, 2024.
