BCB puts international expansion on ice

Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) has delayed its international expansion due to economic headwinds in some developing markets, but the trade show’s core German event will grow once again next year.

The fast-growing trade show told The Spirits Business last year that it intended to launch new editions around the world, starting with China in 2016 then followed by Latin America and other global markets.

However at this year’s show in Berlin, Helmut Adam, one of BCB’s founders, said the plans had been re-phased due to the impact to economic uncertainty.

“When you mention the crisis, obviously there are ups and downs of the economy in developing countries, it influences decision-making much more than in mature markets like Europe, and so that has obviously affected some of the negotiations,” said Adam. “You need in each market to work with local partners and obviously then it depends very much on the progress you make with local partners.”

He added: “We will pick up where we left off, and that’s actually happening in two places. We’d rather not name a country yet, because it’s too early to do that.”

Nevertheless, BCB’s core show in Berlin is set to continue its rapid growth into 2017, when an additional hall will be added to its Station Berlin venue.

This year, the show attracted more than 11,000 trade visitors from 11-12 October in its 10^th anniversary.