ProWein 2024: Record number of UK wine producers exhibiting
HALL 14 – STAND E47
Twelve of England’s leading brands are coming to Düsseldorf, some returning, others new to the international market. First-time exhibitors include Danbury Ridge (Essex), Langham Estate (Dorset), MDCV (Kent/Sussex), Sandridge Barton (Devon), Simpsons’ Wine Estate (Kent) and Wiston Estate (Sussex).
Returning to Dusseldorf this year are Balfour Winery, Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Hattingley Valley, Lyme Bay Winery and Roebuck Estates.
These producers are from across England’s wine-producing regions, bringing a wide variety of award-winning styles of wines produced in Britain today. Whilst a key focus will be on the world-renowned classic method English sparkling wine, several producers will also be exhibiting some of their still wines, primarily those produced from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also on show will be examples of other sparkling wines now produced in the UK including Charmat sparkling (MDCV) and Col Fondo (Langham).
The English presence at ProWein follows WineGB’s highly successful export roadshow of some 20 producers to Denmark and Sweden last week. Scandinavia is currently Britain’s largest export market with sales of English sparkling wine reported to have increased by 85% in 2021. Other key markets include Japan and USA, with Netherlands, Switzerland and Hong Kong also in the top 10. UK wines are shipped to some 30 markets in total.
Export is now a major focus area for growth for the UK wine industry. With more volume now available, producers are actively seeking new opportunities beyond the domestic market.
Exports of English and Welsh wines, according to WineGB’s 2023 industry report (based on 2022 sales data*) accounting for some 7% and is continuing to grow.
The producers are being supported by the Government’s Department for Business and Trade and GREAT Food and Drink Campaign in developing their export ambitions.
This increase is part of the overall growth of the UK wine industry which is predicting that production will reach 25 to 29 million bottles by 2032 with 7,600 hectares of vines planted. At present there are 4,000 hectares, and already production is on the rise, with a record-breaking harvest in 2023 amounting to some 22 million bottles.
Export activity also supports the drive to promote more inbound tourism. Wine tourism in the UK has been growing exponentially and is now a recognised category by the UK’s tourism board, VisitBritain.
There is still time to book a meeting slot with producers at ProWein – either by contacting them direct or via the ProWein visitor portal.
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB commented: “Britain’s wine industry is thriving. We are engaging with an ever-growing crowd of followers and fans across the world as trade buyers, influencers and consumers recognise the word-class credentials of our wines. We are delighted to be at ProWein this year with the largest presence ever.
“We are grateful for all the support from our government which enables us to showcase these high-quality brands on this international stage and look forward to extending our reach into the global wine market.”
For further information about the WineGB presence at ProWein please contact Angelina Howe: angelina@winegb.co.uk, tel: +44 7733 428141 or contact WineGB’s Head Office: +44 1858 467792
Nicola Bates, CEO, WineGB will be on the stand at ProWein on the Monday and Tuesday of the Fair and available for interview. Please contact Angelina Howe, WineGB Export Manager, to arrange a meeting.