ProWein 2024 wraps up

Yesterday, the 2024 edition of ProWein concluded, which, in spite of rail strikes, saw “top-notch people travel to Düsseldorf from all over the world,” according to fair director Peter Schmitz.

The fair, which also happened to be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, had 47,000 registered trade visitors from 135 countries and 5,400 exhibitors from 65 countries across the three days (10-12 March).

“No other trade fair offers as wide a range as ProWein. All international wine-growing regions are represented in Düsseldorf,” Schmitz explained. Producers hailing from everywhere from Champagne to Ukraine gathered at the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition to centre to share their products.

Numbers for the 2024 fair were slightly lower than those in 2023, which saw approximately 6,000 exhibitors and 49,000 trade visitors, but Schmitz noted that among the attendees this year were “an increased number of executives with decision-making powers”.

Among the features of this year’s show was the launch of ProSpirits, in Hall 5, a dedicated space for the spirits sector of the drinks industry. 420 exhibitors from 40 countries showcased products ranging from Irish cream liqueurs and Italian grappa to Mexican mezcal and American whiskey. The ProSpirits forum also offered masterclasses, exhibitor presentations, and special tastings.

Also with an increased presence was the low- and no-alcohol sector, with the ProWein Zero area in Hall 1, a reflection of the potential this category has.

The latest ProWein Business Report highlighted how “not everyone agrees that you need to drink wine”, with younger consumers in particular shunning alcohol.

Other trends emphasised at the show were the use of robotics in vineyards, the issue of drought, alternative packaging, and fungal resistant PiWi grapes.

ProWein 2025 will be held in Düsseldorf from 16 to 18 March, and ProWine Tokyo will take place next month from 10 to 12 April.