Keen buyers at the Jo'burg Wine Show

"This year's show definitely had more of everything with even a higher spend per visitor, which I consider remarkable in the current economic situation. Many of our exhibitors have reported their best sales of any show and 90% of visitors bought wine at the show," says show director John Woodward.

The exhibitor feedback questionnaires revealed that 94% of producers stated that they would recommend the show to other producers, which is a significant result for a wine industry event.

"There is no doubt that the industry is facing severe challenges, which definitely affects the sustainability of similar industry events. Our sales figures of R2,7 million showed a 14% year-on-year increase and have once again proven that the format of our show is conducive to better sales. The more spacious, colourful environment with individualised stands allows exhibitors to interact better with visitors, market their products in a personal, face-to-face manner and therefore achieve higher sales," he adds.

"It is very evident that people come to our show with a serious intent to buy wine, not only to taste and we try to facilitate this process as much as possible. I think that the show has now cemented its reputation as the premier event platform for producers of premium wines, who require above average sales at shows. This has been proven not only at our flagship show in Johannesburg, but also during our road show in Port Elizabeth."

The show's e-magazine Wine-Extra has also shown sustained growth and exceeded the 10 000 mark on its database. During show, 1800 visitors opted in to receive the publication, which creates a seamless continuity of communication for wine producers with a target audience that is wishing to purchase premium wines.

For more information, go to www.wineshow.co.za.