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 Started in 2009, WBWE had 70 exhibitors and 1700 visitors from less than 30 countries in the maiden edition. In contrast, there were 176 exhibitors from 16 different countries and 5800 visitors from 68 countries last year. The reason for the unprecedented growth for a wine exhibition is obvious- more and more international producers of quality bulk wine are looking to open new export markets.
France and Spain are traditionally the two top countries participating, followed by Italy- the top three producers globally. Last year there were 43 wineries from France and Spain with Italy at 22. Due to the quality of wines presented, participation of Argentina, Chile, South Africa and Australia is also important. Wineries from Uruguay, USA, Belgium and Liechtenstein contribute to the diversity and quality of the exhibition. A highlight last year was the maiden appearance from producers from Moldavia, Bulgaria, Canada and the United Kingdom.
WBWE recognises one organisation at the Exhibition for its contribution to wine promotion. This year Wines of South Africa (WOSA) will be the highlight of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition as it will be awarded the 2014 Voice of Wine prize. With this prize, the WBWE will reward the efforts made to promote South African wine abroad, as well as the improvements on image, like the bag-in-box packaging.
According to Federico Castellucci, the past Director General of the International Organization for Vine and Wine (OIV) which supports the event, the bulk wine sector represents more than 40 percent of the worldwide wine trade and ten percent of the value - and is growing constantly. A total of over 30 million hL (hectoliters) of bulk wine was on offer, representing 11% of the 271 million hL of total estimated wine production in 2014. The prices varied from € 0.65 to €0.90 a bulk liter although some offers were as low as €0.55 depending upon the quantity and as high as €1.20 for the award winning oaked reds.
Competition, Cooking and Conferences
In order to encourage quality in bulk wines, the organizers started tasting wines in an international competition in 2011, with the help of a panel of international judges. At the 3rd edition of the  International Bulk Wine Competition, 70 wines were entered from nine countries. The 4th Edition of the International Bulk Wine Competition slated to take place on November 23, is open to all wines, in accordance with the definitions of the “International Code of Oenological Practices” of the O.I.V., which like in the past 3 editions, will designate an expert as commissioner for the supervision of the Competition. Subhash Arora has been invited as one of the panel judges.
The visitors attending the Exhibition in Amsterdam next 24th and 25th November will also find a showroom with culinary creations inspired by the wine regions of the participating countries. The Galician Chef Kike Piñeiro and his team will be again in charge of supervising the live cooking area of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition and creating a unique gastronomical space specially designed for this Fair by using wines in every dish.
Conferences are an interesting feature of this Exhibition. On both days Speakers invited from different countries will speak on various aspects of wine trends in their countries and regions. Traditionally, the Conference is inaugurated by the OIV representative as the keynote speaker.
Attractive Venue
Amsterdam RAI continues to be the venue. RAI with its exhibition facilities and a mere 15 minute train ride from the airport, offers many European buyers an opportunity to even come in the morning and leave by the evening. John Salvi MW, who is a regular visitor and also writes occasionally for delWine says, ‘the show is becoming more and more popular every year. The improving quality of bulk wines is also a factor in their favour.’
The Vine: All about vine except wine
 A new event will take place at the WBWE 2014 with an area devoted to the vine and its several business possibilities and future. A forum for professionals to meet heads of new businesses has been created in the vine and wine sector. This will focus on the commercial applications for vines, like table grapes, raisins, vine shoots rich in anthocyanins, vine leaves, beauty products, grape syrup, soft drinks using grape concentrates, grape seed oils, colourings from red grape skins etc.
The World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) is aimed primarily at wineries in the bulk wine market that are seeking new markets for export, principal buyers of bulk wine worldwide, wine brokers, dealers, and their business agents. India is not likely to be an exhibitor for bulk wines ever, but with the wine grape shortages expected in the near future, the Show offers good opportunity to interact with the bulk producers some of whom are willing to bottle the wines and in fact are already doing it for the clients in India.
If you are planning a trip to Europe next month, it may be a good idea to pass through Amsterdam for a couple of days. For further details and up to date information you may visit,
Subhash Arora
Tags: World Bulk Wine Exhibition, Wines of South Africa (WOSA), Federico Castellucci, OIV, Kike Piñeiro, WBWE
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