| Fourth edition of the biennial wine fair showcasing about a thousand wineries is set to seduce visitors from Spain and around the world in Ciudad Real from May 7-10. Apart from the wine gallery it will bank heavily on IT and feature Business Searcher software to help locate the exhibitors etc.
Alimentaria is an old established show which is held in Barcelona in even years. Fenavin organised the first show in 2001 and in every odd year since. It is derived from FEria NAacional de VINi. Ciudad Real is located in Castilla La Mancha Region (of Don Quixote fame). A mere 45 minutes to the South of Madrid by their fast train, the show will feature only Spanish wines and focus perhaps on La Mancha wines which have been coming up the quality chain, along with the strides they have made in the gastronomy in the last few years.
An important aspect of the show has been the Wine Gallery in which wines from many producers are kept for the buyers to taste at leisure and without any pressures or interference and then decide to meet the desired winery people at the stands.
The specially designed software feature, called Business Searcher makes an entry for the first time through a series of computers installed throughout the Show. This software will be installed exclusively in order to help the visitor determine his preferences and plan accordingly. A useful tool, perhaps even the competing wine shows throughout the world would like to get a handle of.
Many important and interesting conferences including one on women wine producers, wine and women, Globalization of wines to be presented by Robert Joseph will entice you. Campo Pancho, the President of Spanish Wine Academy will talk again on the Effect of changing climatic conditions, a must- attend for wine producers and those who are serious about this world encompassing problem.
Tucked in the programme somewhere is a Talk on 'The Indian Paradox' by Subhash Arora, President of Indian Wine Academy, giving sips and taste of the Indian wine market (not wine!) in India.
Spanish wines are making lots of noise and efforts to enter India , of late. They can offer great value as one has seen already with Torres and Freixenet wines. It is a matter of time that the barrage of value for money wines as well as the top level wines like Pingus, Roda and the mighty Vega Sicilia (already in India through Brindco) will capture the consumer palates and purse strings. Important regions of Spain are covered in the Show.
FENAVIN 2007offers the importers, old and new, an opportunity to dip in the Spanish wines and bring home some value additions to their portfolio. Of course education at the seminars is free but priceless and an additional bonus. Details at www.fenavin.com
Subhash Arora |
