Frank Schindler appointed director of ProWein Düsseldorf
ProWein has confirmed the appointment of Frank Schindler as its new director from 15 October 2025. The industry veteran will lead the Düsseldorf fair and its international editions.
ProWein Düsseldorf has named Frank Schindler (pictured), 50, as project director, effective 15 October 2025. In this role, he will lead the Düsseldorf team and oversee project management for ProWein Düsseldorf, including ProSpirits, as well as the six international ProWein World fairs across Asia and South America. He will also be responsible for global strategic positioning and international marketing.
Schindler will operate within the division headed by chief operating officer Marius Berlemann, reporting directly to Michael Degen, executive director of trade fairs.
Berlemann said: “In Frank Schindler we have an expert who is very well connected in the international wine and spirits world at the helm of ProWein Düsseldorf. He embodies the energy and creative drive we need for the next phase of our No. 1 trade fair. Right now, as we strategically realign and ambitiously develop the brand further, he is exactly the right person to translate this sense of new departures into concrete successes.”
Industry credentials
Schindler has previously served as managing director of Esterhazy in Burgenland and as managing director of VINUM Weinhandel GmbH in South Tyrol. His academic training includes WSET studies and a master’s in international wine marketing.
Speaking about his appointment, Schindler said: “With its blend of internationality, professionalism and innovative power, ProWein is unique in the world of wines and spirits. I am therefore delighted to be able to work with a well-coordinated and motivated team to take the already initiated realignment of ProWein Düsseldorf and its international satellites into the future. We will take bold steps and be guided by the specific needs of the industry to successfully further develop ProWein Düsseldorf’s status as a leading trade fair.”
ProWein’s transformation journey
As reported by the drinks business, Berlemann recently confirmed that ProWein is undergoing a transformation journey to ensure it remains the most impactful B2B event in the sector. “Success is not permanent. Question yourself. Don’t let obstacles stop you, but actually motivate you,” he told attendees at a preview of the 2026 edition.
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The brand has adopted a new logo and colour scheme designed to convey a modern, vibrant identity. Communications will now carry the tagline “ProWein Düsseldorf – Shape. Create. Elevate”, which Berlemann said encapsulates the team’s commitment to giving the industry fresh orientation and energy.
ProWein remains firmly a professional platform. Berlemann stated, “ProWein has always been a B2B shop. It is for professionals, and we are super strict on who is allowed to come to the exhibition centre and who is not, because we want to keep this atmosphere professional for the exhibitors.”
Industry concerns raised at ProWein 2025
In Düsseldorf earlier this year, the drinks business reported that discussions at ProWein 2025 were shaped by pressing global challenges. Among them was the prospect of a 200% tariff on EU alcoholic beverages threatened by US President Donald Trump. Rioja producer Bodegas Riojanas’ director general Eduardo Sáinz Marotías said the move would cause “nonsense” disruption, while Thomas Vogele of Trinchero Family Estates in California observed that there would be no winners from such a trade war.
Other conversations focused on the importance of local grape varieties. Juvé y Camps presented two new white wines from Catalan varieties, while Champagne house Moutard once again championed Arbane, a rare grape it has cultivated since 1952.
The growing role of artificial intelligence also featured strongly. A panel chaired by the drinks business editor-in-chief, Patrick Schmitt MW, examined how technology is helping producers and retailers to connect more effectively with consumers.
By the numbers
ProWein 2025 welcomed 4,200 exhibitors from 65 nations and 42,000 trade visitors from 128 countries. ProSpirits drew 500 exhibitors from 53 nations across two halls.
The next ProWein Düsseldorf will return to Messe Düsseldorf from 15 to 17 March 2026.
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