IBWSS promises to help changing on-trade sector better understand the opportunities and benefits of bulk and bottled in market wine and spirits.
Some of the first keynote panellist and speakers have been announced for what will be the first International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS) to be held in Europe when it looks to bring the trade together to discuss the huge commercial opportunities that now exist for bottled in market in wines in London on February 26-27, 2018.
The event, organised by the American drinks publishing, marketing and B2B networking platform, the Beverage Trade Network, has previously being held in the US, but such is the importance of bulk wine and spirits not just in the UK but in central and Eastern Europe that it is to host its 2018 conference and exhibition at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.
Sid Patel, chief executive of the Beverage Trade Network and organiser of IBWSS said: “It is time, we made private label and bulk trade a norm. London being the most important market for private label and bulk trade, we decided to make London our host city for Europe.”
He added: “The UK is one of the leading store-owned and private label markets, so it was a no brainer that we provide the platform to connect these buyers to top class suppliers from all over the world who are ready to offer private label services and understand what it takes in being a private label supply partner and help the buyer build their brand.”
Conviviality’s Andrew Shaw
Over the course of two days leading figures from the global and UK wine industry will share their thoughts, insights and experiences on how bulk wine and spirits can help grow your private label and branded product business.
The event will include a combination of panel sessions and 12 TED-style talks, with The Buyer signed up as one of its strategic media partners.
Confirmed speakers include Andrew Shaw, group wine buying director of Conviviality PLC in charge of managing the strategy of the UK’s most significant wine supplier covering both the on-and off-trades through its own businesses including Matthew Clark, Bibendum, PLB, Bargain Booze and Wine Rack. As well as working with third party retailers, grocers and wholesalers to source bulk wine for exclusive brands and lines.
Robin Copestick, managing director of Copestick Murray, that was was one of the first companies to work closely with major UK supermarket groups to help source and ship bulk wine from around the world. It has gone on to use bottled in market wines as the commercial backbone to its varietal-driven I Heart brand which is now exported to around 30 countries around the world.
Broadland’s Mark Lansley
He will be joined by Mark Lansley, chief executive of Broadland Wineries one of the UK’s most important and innovative bulk and contract wine bottling facilities. It has built up its business working most of the major supermarket, wholesaler and retailer groups in the UK as well as developing strong business in the US and Nordic states. As well as doing contract, third party work it is also a significant brand builder and wine supplier itself using bulk wine to source the most competitive juice for either its own wines or its partners. It has achieved on average 20% growth figures for the last 10 years and is on course to hit a £250m turnover by 2025.
Shipping bulk wine and spirits all around the world is a complex business which needs careful understanding and steps to ensure everyone in the supply chain from the producers through to the shippers, bottlers, distributors and retailers are all aware of their own risks and responsibilities. All of which will be covered in a keynote talk from David Richardson, regulatory and commercial affairs director at the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.
Other panellists and keynote speakers will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
What to expect at IBWSS
As a visitor: IBWSS London is relevant for anyone involved in the making, sourcing, buying, shipping, bottling, selling and marketing of bulk wine and spirits. Designed specifically for key players across the multiple grocery, convenience, wholesaler, on-trade sectors as well as producers, wineries, distilleries and service providers across the private label and branded wine and spirit sectors.
The event organisers stress the key focus of the event is to asses and encourage sustainable growth and profitability in the bulk wine and spirit sector. RSVP here to get your free visitor trade pass and special deals for conference ticket.
As an exhibitor: The show will also be an opportunity for businesses involved in the producing, handling, shipping, bottling and selling of bulk wine and spirits show to demonstrate what they to key buyers and influencers. Different rates apply depending on your needs with super early bird exhibitor rates available from April 1. Find out more information on how to be an exhibitor here.
* You can read more about the background to IBWSS and the Beverage Trade Network in our Supplier Partner section.
