Imbibe Live to return to London in July

Uk-based drinks industry event Imbibe Live will return to the Olympia Grand Hall in London this summer.

Taking place on from 4-5 July, the annual trade event will reunite the drinks community with a mix of exhibitors, partners, tastings and masterclasses.

Daniel Zanetti, exhibition director at Imbibe Live, said: “Imbibe Live is the most anticipated event in the UK drinks community’s calendar, and we’re looking forward to reuniting the industry again whilst continuing to support them as we rebuild after the past few years.

“We are delighted to see so many brands, suppliers and producers joining us again for what is set to be a jam-packed event, as well as welcoming a number of new exhibitors to the line-up including Hotel Chocolat, Atlas Gins and Aztec Rum, all of which are making a huge splash in the drinks industry.”

New ambassadors to the show in 2022 include wine ambassador, writer, broadcaster and wine judge Aleesha Hansel; global rum ambassador to the rum category, Ian Burrell; and beer ambassador, writer, broadcaster, pub expert, and founder of the School of Booze, Jane Peyton.

Zanetti added: “We can’t wait to showcase all the brilliant brands and products in the business, as well as invite you to enjoy our programme of show-stopping content and unique tastings.

“Whether you source, buy, produce, sell, shake or stir drinks – Imbibe Live is the place for likeminded professionals to come together to share new products, stories and build long-lasting relationships.”

Imbibe Live will also welcome back cider ambassador Gabe Cook; low-and-no ambassador Laura Willoughby from Club Soda, who will also unveil the show’s very first dedicated low-and-no pavilion; and Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality.

The event will also host industry renowned speakers who will be presenting over the course of the two days, including educators from WSET, who will be taking over the Tasting Room on 5 July with a series of masterclasses covering agave, whisky, Port and more.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) will also be sharing guidance on navigating the government’s plans to reform alcohol duty in the Industry Matters Theatre, and The Drinks Trust will be running sessions on mental health, up-skilling and education as well as equity within the drinks industry.

Imbibe Live positions itself as an event which allows attendees to take advantage of invaluable networking opportunities while also discovering the latest products to come to market through tastings, masterclasses and panel discussions.

Available only to those working in the drinks industry, tickets are priced at £15 (US$18.73) each, and a portion of the profits from ticket sales is being donated to Imbibe Live’s two partner charities for 2022: The Drinks Trust and Only A Pavement Away.

Visitor registration for Imbibe Live is now open.

Imbibe Live returned to London in 2021 after the show was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.