According to show organiser John Woodward, the initial response from exhibitors shows that actual sales would once again hit R2 million. "Obviously, orders taken during the show still need to be processed by the various exhibitors, but the feedback to date has been fabulous. We've had estates such as David Frost reporting sales valued at over R40 000, which is quite an achievement for a smaller producer over the three-day period," he said.
The organisers were especially pleased with a record-breaking attendance on the last day of the show. "The Super 14 finals and in-bound tour from The British and Irish Lions definitely had an influence on attendance on the Saturday, but the convincing win by the Bulls led to gold rush-like sales for exhibitors in the last few hours of the show. We also experienced a record number of visitors on the Sunday with figures increasing by 100% on the previous year," Woodward added.
The continued success of the show has prompted the organisers to open bookings for the 2010 show already. "From the initial enquiries we are receiving from current exhibitors, we will once again be seeing an encouraging number of repeat bookings for next year. Early indicators are that large producers are planning to use The Wine Show Joburg as their main platform for reaching the Gauteng market in future, which shows that the unique format of the show is paying off for exhibitors," stated Woodward.
This year's show also attracted its share of celebrities, ranging from a royal visit from the Zulu Queen Dlamini, first wife of King Goodwill Zwelithini, to TV presenter Macfarlane Moleli, radio personality Jeremy Mansfield and Vernon Koekemoer.
Organisers are currently finalising the dates for next year's show.
For more information, go to www.wineshow.co.za.
