Sustainability and scale take centre stage at WBWE 2025
The World Bulk Wine Exhibition returns to Amsterdam this November, showcasing innovation, sustainability and trade opportunities across the global bulk wine and spirits sector.
Bulk wine’s expanding role in global trade
The 17th edition of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) will take place on 24-25 November 2025 at RAI Amsterdam. Organised by Vinexposium, the event remains the world’s leading meeting point for the bulk wine and spirits industry.
“The bulk wine market is a strategic lever for the industry, at the crossroads of competitiveness, flexibility and sustainability,” said Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium. “With the World Bulk Wine Exhibition, Vinexposium has broadened the event’s scope and strengthened its impact, creating a meeting point where buyers and producers find practical solutions and shape the sector’s future together.”
For more than 15 years, WBWE has supported the growth and structuring of the bulk wine and spirits market, now representing around one-third of global wine trade by volume. Bulk continues to gain traction as a cost-effective and sustainable solution in a changing market landscape, driven by new packaging formats, the rise of low- and no-alcohol products, and the demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) options.
According to data from Rafael Del Rey AWM, the United Kingdom imports around 4.5 million hectolitres of wine annually, valued at €617 million. Australia accounts for 33% of these imports by volume, followed by Chile (14.7%), South Africa and the United States (12.5% each), and New Zealand (11.3%). In value terms, New Zealand ranks second, with 20.5% of the UK market.
In the first half of 2025, New Zealand recorded strong growth in export volume – 28.3 million litres – moving into third place by volume behind Chile (30.1 million litres) and Australia (67.6 million litres). During the same period, Australia, South Africa and Spain achieved higher revenues from bulk wine exports.
A global showcase for bulk wine and spirits
WBWE 2025 will bring together more than 240 producers from 25 countries and buyers from over 60 nations, representing 70-80% of the global bulk trade. The line-up includes major producing countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States. Mauritius, Lebanon and Panama will join the exhibition for the first time.
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The show will feature a broad offering, including AC wines, organic and fortified wines, spirits, and an expanding selection of low- and no-alcohol products. Packaging innovations with reduced carbon impact and logistics costs will also be highlighted, aligning with the sector’s focus on efficiency and sustainability.
Highlights of WBWE 2025
The Silent Tasting Room will offer visitors a free-pour space featuring wines and spirits from exhibitors. The WBWE Academy will host conferences and masterclasses tackling issues such as logistics, innovations in dealcoholisation, reducing packaging’s carbon footprint, and the use of oak in winemaking.
Ahead of the show, the International Bulk Wine Competition (IBWC) will recognise excellence in bulk wines and spirits through blind tastings by trade professionals and journalists. For the first time, Grand Gold and Gold medal winners will showcase their cuvées during an exclusive Grand Gold Pitch session, while a tasting of all award-winning products will be open to attendees.
“These initiatives maximise the visibility of award-winning producers and enhance the visitor experience by combining business, innovation and discovery,” said Grace Ghazalé, Director of Vinexposium Overseas Events.
With its international scope and focus on sustainability and innovation, WBWE 2025 is positioned as a key strategic event for the global bulk wine and spirits industry.
2024 in Numbers:
- 245 exhibitors from 25 countries
- 1,988 visitors from 70 countries
- 10 conferences and masterclasses
WBWE will be held at RAI Amsterdam on 24-25 November 2025.
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