Fenavin show reflects the hidden potential of Spanish wine

Spanish wine fair Fenavin, which marked its 12th edition this month, has been hailed a resounding success.

The bi-annual show, which took place between 9-11 May, was hosted for the first time in a brand new exhibition centre by Ciudad Real in the hub of the Castilla La Mancha region which is the biggest wine production region in Europe.

Since the beginning Fenavin saw the decision of opening up the show to all Spanish regions in order to give buyers a greater reason to visit.

Speaking to the drinks business, Fenavin director Manuel Juliá said: “The Fenavin team works very hard to put buyer experience at the heart of everything, in terms of ease of access to the show, and their online meeting software to connect buyers with producers” and explained that the online matchmaking system for buyers and producers, called “Contact with…” assists with facilitating business and helps buyers and producers network during the show.

According to Juliá: “In order to consolidate and expand the Spanish wine export, our Buyers Program reached out this year to 100 countries in where we invite wine buyers to come to CIudad Real during three days to discover and consolidate their Spanish wine assortment.”

Juliá explained to db: “We are exhibitors from all the categories from the largest Co-ops in Europe to the smallest wine garage producer, everyone who is looking for both international and national expansion”
Juliá also hinted that they made sure that the event was “more accessible to some of the smaller local producers” and revealed that “Contact with…” will match buyers needs with what producers have to offer and will set meetings with a half hour slot and a half hour in between” meaning that everyone can make the most of the time at the event.

However, Juliá revealed that it “is always looking for continuous improvement of the efficiency of the show” especially in relation to the experience of its exhibitors and buyers and outlined that it “we just needs to keep consolidating the positive steps that have been made and keep making further improvements” to be able to offer the best event for everyone.

According to Juliá there is still work to do to help Spain to work on the “image of regional wines in Spain and overseas” and highlighted how “new classifications like in Cava, Priorat, Rioja, Bierzo and elsewhere are helping with this process”.

The next Fenavin show will take place in 2025.