Bar Convent Berlin 2015 in pictures
One of Europe’s foremost bar and spirits trade shows Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) returned to Station Berlin last week, bigger and more diverse than ever before. The show, which was acquired by Reed Exhibitions in February this year, reported a record 11,280 visitors – 20% up from last year – and 268 exhibitors – a 30% uplift. BCB has experienced 25% to 30% growth in both visitors and exhibitors consistently over the past four years.
Ahead of plans to launch internationally next year, BCB 2015 featured a range of tastings, demonstrations, seminars and debates hosted by some of the industry’s leading names, including Alex Kratena, Ryan Chetiyawardana, Gaz Regan, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Edgar Harden and Dave Broom. Brands and groups which exhibited at the show spanned all sizes and sub-sectors, from Diageo’s Reserve portfolio, to independent producers such as Chase Distillers.
A highlight of the show was its extensive range of seminars, debates and tutorials. SB attended an insightful seminar looking at the history of the Negroni hosted by Gaz Regan, as well as global rum ambassador Ian Burrell’s tips on how to lose a cocktail competition. BCB also introduced a new range of talks in collaboration with Diageo’s start-up investment and mentoring scheme Distill Ventures. The focus, called Brand Starter, offered advice to budding spirits entrepreneurs.
BCB increased its beer focus this year with a larger dedicated Brew Berlin area, showcasing major brands and small breweries. Beer talk participants included brewers, importers, specialist retailers and operators of beer bars.
Shokokai Japan, otherwise known as the Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, promoted alcoholic beverages such as Japanese beer and sake. This year, BCB featured a number of government and trade bodies dedicated to promoting their country’s products. The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) also hosted a bar in collaboration with a number of US-made brands.
For the first time, BCB unveiled an area dedicated to products of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, called Made in GSA. Ahead of the opening of BCB, the finest GSA products and bars were recognised at a dedicated award ceremony.
As Brazil featured as BCB’s country of honour in 2015, a Made in Brasil stand took prominence at the entrance of the show. Hosted by the Brazilian Institute of Cachaça (IBRAC) and Apex, the stand promoted Cachaça as a product of Brazil and advocated its GI status. According to Carlos Lima, executive director of IBRAC, the organisation is negotiations with the EU over the GI status of cachaça. Currently, only the US and Colombia recognise the spirit as a product of Brazil.
Beam Suntory’s hosts exhibited their ice carving skills at the group’s World of Whisky stand. Other crowd-pleasing stands included LVMH, where Ardbeg’s “whisky cloud” technology Haar was showcased, and Beluga’s beautiful Art Deco cocktail area.
International drinks group Borco showcased its portfolio of products through a number of specially created cocktail menus. Each menu was created by one of four leading bartenders who manned the stand. “It is increasingly important for us to work with bartenders who will convey our story to consumers,” said Dr Tina Ingwersen-Mattiesen, member of Borco’s board and one of the company’s family owners. “They can help create an emotional connection to the brand and show what our vision is.”
