Despite the wine industry’s most challenging trading conditions in decades, the organisers of London Wine Fair remain optimistic for the UK market with 87% of space either confirmed or reserved; a 9% Year on Year increase, factoring in a decrease in aisle width to accommodate more exhibitors. The exhibitors span generics, agents, importers and brands, many of which are returning to the show after a break or will be present for the first time.
Two areas of growth for London Wine Fair reflect the wider market: Portugal and Asia. Portugal will have its largest presence in recent years; 44 wineries with ViniPortugal have already committed to exhibit in the Wines Unearthed section which represents wineries looking to export to the UK – twice as many as in 2023, when they last exhibited. Portuguese and Spanish specialist importer, Oakley Wine Agencies will also exhibit for the first time.
The 2025 show will see stand space from China almost double. Chinese wine specialist importer, Vinum Eurus will return to the show with a more than 300% increase in stand space to reflect its growing commitment to the UK market. The importer currently represents 10 wineries from China. Fei Tswei Wine, a boutique estate from Ningxia’s Helan Mountain appellation and Célèbre, from high altitude vineyards in Yunnan, will exhibit on their own stands for the first time. The Japan Pavillion, which showed at the 2024 show for the first time, will be back with a 50% larger stand, at over 150sqm, to showcase its portfolio of sake, shochu and wine.
France is investing significantly this year, with 26 independent producers exhibiting – a significant increase on 2024. Vin IGP Méditerranée is increasing its presence by 50% on account of the continued growth of rosé wine; and CIVP – Vins De Provence will host a masterclass on the first day.
Following the success of their 2024 show, which saw them return after a 12-year hiatus, Mentzendorff have increased their footprint by a significant 10 square metres, in order to showcase more of their premium portfolio. One of the largest stands of the event, Hatch Mansfield are maintaining the 130sqm they expanded into last year having found every additional square metre was at capacity throughout all three days of the event. Drinks industry logistics provider, Hillebrand Gori will return with a third more space for 2025; Wines of Serbia will return with a 25% larger stand and the GM Drinks stand is more than doubling in size.
The Canned Wine Group is to partner with London Wine Fair in a new three-year partnership. The deal will see them exhibit both its Canned Wine Co. flagship brand and The Copper Crew organic wines, doubling their stand space for 2025. Ben Franks, co-founder and CCO at Canned Wine Group said: “London Wine Fair is the UK’s leading trade show for wine. It has provided a brilliant opportunity to continue the conversation of drinking less, but better wines with our premium range of varietal, vintage wines in can.”
Head of London Wine Fair, Hannah Tovey, said: “there is a tangible sense of optimism in the UK market, reflected in the positive status of exhibitors signing up for the 2025 show. Our growth is largely coming from the so-called emerging territories: China; Japan; Romania and Serbia, as well as those countries which are seeing a resurgence, such as Portugal. Alongside these we will be welcoming stalwarts of the show which include the UK’s top agents: Awin Barratt Siegel; Buckingham Schenk; EWGA; Hatch Mansfield; Felix Solis; Lanchester Wines; Liquid Diamond Wines; Marcato Direct; Mentzendorff; Richmond Wine Agencies; and WX Brands.”
The 2025 London Wine Fair will take place at Olympia from 19th to 21st May. Visitor registration is now open.
