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Prowein 2022: top spirits stands

After an absence brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Europe’s biggest drinks fair, Prowein, is returning to Düsseldorf this week. We look at what the organisers have in store, and which brands’ products are not to be missed.

Prowein Düsseldorf
Prowein 2022 will return to Düsseldorf on 15-17 May

It is finally happening – after two years of cancellations and rescheduling, international trade show Prowein is back. The finest producers, importers, distributors and buyers are set to descend on Düsseldorf in Germany from 15 to 17 May, and will no doubt be eager to reconnect with other likeminded drinks professionals after a lengthy separation.

The Covid‐19 restrictions of the past two years will be largely dropped under current legal regulations. “After this long pandemic period the focus is now on a new departure because the signs of the time all point in the same direction – namely an active resumption of business life,” said Michael Degan, executive director at show organiser Messe Düsseldorf.

Nevertheless, the show will implement measures to enable guests to feel safe during the event. “International trade fairs play an essential key role here,” Degan added. “Our additional hygiene and infection protection standards provide a high degree of protection on site, and a sense of safety.”

Prowein will adhere to voluntary hygiene and infection protection measures, and recommends medical face masks be worn on the premises. Guests are also advised to keep a 1.5m distance from others if possible.

Sanitiser dispensers will be available throughout the show, and doors – apart from fire doors – will remain open to allow contactless movement from one hall to another.

Prowein 2022
A taste of things to come: trying out products at Prowein
Matchmaking tool

Networking will play a key role in this year’s comeback show – and Prowein’s Matchmaking service means it will be easier than ever to connect with visitors at the fair.

The Prowein Matchmaking Tool has been likened to a ‘dating app’. Accredited trade visitors and exhibitors can search for contacts and products in the run‐up to the show. They will then receive match proposals with whom they can talk directly, and arrange appointments with for the trade fair period, or virtually during the event. Prowein guests can access the service via the Prowein Matchmaking App, available for IOS and Android OS users.

“By matching those with common interests, the Matchmaking Tool already very selectively brings together supply and demand in the preparatory stages of the trade fair,” said Bastian Mingers, Prowein project director. “Both sides benefit from this and trade fair participation becomes even more efficient.”

Same but different

Trend show Same But Different will be a key highlight of the 2022 event. A total of 120 exhibitors from 24 countries will be showcasing their finest products, with a focus on craft spirits, beer and cider.

Located in Hall 7.0, exhibitors will hail from: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Luxemburg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, Ukraine and the US.

Nicole Funke, senior project manager at Prowein, said: “The successful formula and hallmark of Same But Different are its unique spirit and inimitable atmosphere. With this ambience, we deliberately set ourselves apart from other events.”

A common theme to be found among this year’s Same But Different exhibitors will be shared values of ‘gentle, sustainable and creative’ processing of raw materials, craftsmanship, know‐how, and a ‘strong passion’ for the product and new trends.

Mingers added: “Since its debut in 2018, Same But Different has grown into a real gem. Presented in Hall 7.0 are pioneers, trendsetters and market leaders in the growth segments of spirits and cider – the perfect choice, especially for trade visitors from hospitality, the bar community but also food retail.”

We shine the spotlight on a number of spirits brands that will be exhibiting at Prowein 2022.


The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

 

Stand: D04, Hall 7.0

Nestled in the Same But Different zone of Prowein will be English producer The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, known for its namesake gin.

An eclectic spread of award‐winning spirits will be available to peruse – including the producer’s One‐ Eyed Rebel Spiced Rum. The small batch, botanical spiced rum sits at 40% ABV, and is said to have notes of ginger, vanilla and rich cassia. The Spirit of Manchester Distillery will also be showcasing its gin collection.

Furthermore, guests will be able to discover two English vermouths. Forty‐Five Vermouth comes in two flavours: Distinctly Dry and Radiant Rose. The Distinctly Dry bottling blends English wine with 16 ingredients, including camomile, orange, lemon, vanilla, tonka bean, and dandelion and burdock.

Meanwhile, Radiant Rose is described as ‘fresh and lively’, with notes of rose, raspberry and tonka bean on the nose, leading to a ‘delicately sweet vermouth’.

Justin Horsman, sales director at The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, said: “We are looking forward to reconnecting with our partners at Prowein and showcasing our range of English spirits.”


1423 Aps

Stand: G43, Hall 11

1423 Aps is one of the fastest‐growing distributors of premium spirits in Denmark. The firm is well known for its 24 Days of Rum – The Original Rum Calendar, which is available in 10 countries.

1423 Aps will be bringing an exciting assortment of products to Prowein. The company wants to connect with many of its existing clients during the event, and hopes to be able to discuss future endeavours and present new products to visitors.

Like many exhibitors, the company notes the great importance of being able to meet in person again after a two‐year hiatus because of Covid‐19. New clients will also be high on the agenda for 1423 Aps – particularly those from ‘faraway markets’.

The group hopes to learn about rising trends and the future of the drinks trade via the connections it will make at this year’s show.

Joshua Singh, partner and export manager, 1423 Aps, says: “After years of the pandemic, we are looking forward to coming back to Prowein to meet our clients and our suppliers.”


Charles Edge London

Stand: D41, Hall 7.0

Arriving with its range of premium spirits, including Canmore Single malt Scotch whisky, Charles Edge will not disappoint at Prowein this year.

While its trilogy of spirits comprising a 12‐year‐old blended Scotch whisky, London Dry gin, and a British wheat vodka is designed for those who like to ‘experiment’, and are unwilling to ‘compromise on quality’, its Canmore no‐age‐statement single malt is described as ‘autumn in a glass’. The complex single malt delivers earthy notes of wood and chocolate, with a fruity palate.

The brand will debut its recently launched Canmore Single Cask collection at the show, too. Charles Edge is looking to collaborate and discuss ideas with other companies in its arena at Prowein, as well as connect with new distributors and reconnect with current partners.

Will Theakston, UK and export manager, says: “Prowein is an annual highlight in the trade calendar for those taking the export markets seriously, not just in the EU but also further afield.”


Luxco

Stand: F99, Hall 11

American whiskey lovers should make a beeline for Luxco, which will be showcasing its vast array of award‐winning Bourbon and rye expressions.

“We’re particularly excited about sampling the Ross & Squibb Distillery whiskeys and hearing people’s feedback,” says Greg Mefford, international sales director, Luxco. “The high‐rye content in the mash bills of both the Bourbon and rye whiskeys creates a really bold flavour profile. We think this will prove popular with the European and UK markets, which are so familiar with the deep, complex flavours of Scotch.”

Visitors will be able to sample high‐rye Bourbons from the company’s Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana, US – just in time for the producer’s planned European launch later this year.

This will include George Remus Kentucky Straight Bourbon (47% ABV) and the much sought‐after Remus Repeal (50% ABV). The latter is a medley of five aged Bourbons that have been married in honour of the repeal of Prohibition on 5 December 1933.

Other offerings available to sample will include winners from The American Whiskey Masters and The Luxury Masters, such as Old Ezra 7, a barrel‐strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 58.5% ABV.


Maison Boinaud

Stand: A94, Hall 11

Cognac Maison Boinaud will be presenting its Cognac De Luze with new packaging for the brand’s VS, VSOP and XO bottlings, to mark its 200th birthday.

More surprises will also be unveiled for the brand’s latest innovation: single malt whisky Heriose.

“This whisky project has been under construction for several years – we are delighted to be taking up this new challenge”, says Charles and Rémi Boinaud, the general managers of Maison Boinaud. The brand’s Cognac Infini will also be presented, the most exclusive of the De Luze collection, said to contain centuries‐old know‐how passed down from generations.

Rémi, also master blender of Cognac De Luze and CEO of Maison Boinaud, says: “While we may be 200 years old, we are still changing with the times.”


Teeling Whiskey

Stand: D90, Hall 11

Attending Prowein with a whiskey‐focused lens? Look no further than Teeling’s stand, which will be displaying its collection, including Wonders of Wood Single Pot Still, Blackpitts Peated Single Malt, a 30‐year‐old single malt, and its newest Plantation Stiggins Fancy Rum Cask Collaboration.

The latter small batch release features a blend of grain and malt whiskeys, which were matured separately in ex‐ Bourbon barrels for six years, before being put in Plantation Pineapple Rum barrels for a further 15 months.

Teeling is looking to venture into emerging markets in Africa and Asia with its range of Irish whiskies, and is on the hunt for new distributors at Prowein to do so.

Sales director Stephen Teeling says: “Prowein as a show is a critical part of our schedule, as it facilitates us meeting partners, and engages with our customers on new products and marketing campaigns. After being unable to exhibit since 2019, it is a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with many, as relationships have been restricted to virtual due to the global pandemic.”


Walsh Whiskey

Stand: D90, Hall 11

Irish whiskey producer Walsh Whiskey is bringing a broad range of its bottlings to Prowein. From its Irishman range, whiskeys will include: The Harvest; Single Malt; and Caribbean Cask Finish.

The latter product was previously known as Founder’s Reserve Caribbean Cask Finish. It has been crafted from a mash bill made entirely of Irish barley, and is bottled at 46% ABV.

The range will also feature a selection of limited edition expressions, including The Irishman 12 Years Old Single Malt, the 17‐year‐old Single Cask Single Malt, and the Cask Strength 2022 vintage. The Writers’ Tears’ core range will also feature, including the Copper Pot; Double Oak; Single Pot Still; and Red Head.

Limited edition Writers’ Tears bottlings to be poured at the trade show include the Ice Wine Cask Finish, the Marsala Cask Finish and the Japanese Cask Finish. Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2022 – the 12th edition of which was released in April 2022 – will also be at this year’s event.


Zamora Company

Licor 43

Stand: H29, Hall 14

Zamora Company will be exhibiting a vast number of its products, for spirits and wine enthusiasts alike.

Brands to be displayed include Licor 43, Martin Miller’s Gin, Villa Massa vermouth, and Yellow Rose whiskey. Zamora’s acquisition of Martin Miller’s in 2018 marked the company’s entry into the gin category.

With an aim to engage with ‘main partners’, as well as ‘some of the most important players in the industry’, Zamora Company is looking to establish new alliances to help its business grow.

Javier Pijoan, Zamora Company’s CEO, says: “After three years of absence, the sector needs to retest the normality of a fair as important as Prowein. This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting scenarios for wine and spirits brands in the whole world, and we’re here to establish a presence in the minds of our collaborators and clients, and at the same time take advantage of the event to present our novelties for the coming months.”


Sir Edmond Gin

Stand: E60, Hall 11

The world’s first and only bourbon vanilla‐infused gin is eager to showcase its flagship bottling at this year’s event.

Head to stand E60 in Hall 11 to sample Sir Edmond Gin, and learn more about the product and its intriguing back story. Prowein is an important event for the brand, as it aims to accelerate its international expansion.

Over the past couple of years, Sir Edmond Gin has branched out into new territories – and continues to strive for further global success. Sir Edmond Gin hopes to meet leading international distributors, spread the word about the Dutch gin brand, and form new collaborations with partners worldwide.

Dominique Makatita, co‐owner and founder of Sir Edmond Gin, says: “Breaking boundaries has always been one of the main goals of our gin journey. Our bourbon vanilla‐infused gin is available in every major European nation. But there is still plenty of untravelled land to discover. That’s why our next trip brings us to Prowein. We’re always happy to enrich Sir Edmond Gin with new enthusiastic distributors.”


A de Fussigny Cognac

Stand: C81, Hall 11

Keep an eye out for A de Fussigny’s stall at Prowein, as the Cognac brand has teased a groundbreaking launch that will be exclusively unveiled at the trade show.

As well as its ‘classic’ range, the brand will be exhibiting its organic drinks with a show of its Pure Organic range, which includes VS, VSOP and XO bottlings.

The range was released in February 2022 to mark the brand’s 20 years of producing organic Cognacs. Plus, the company has redesigned its vodka, recently made organic, now called Summum Organic Vodka.

Thomas Gonon, CEO, says: “After almost two years of Zoom calls, we look forward to seeing our partners at a live event. Through this period, we have had time to think about our priorities and have been motivated to improve on many aspects: transitioning products to organic, sourcing exclusively local raw materials, and designing new spirits.”


La Martiniquaise-Bardinet

Stand: H40, Hall 11

This will be La Martiniquaise’s first time sharing a space with Bardinet and Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits at the trade show. Showcasing new products, such as Gibson’s Gin Blood Orange, and the new Poliakov vodka flavours, customers can also flock to the stand for a cocktail or two.

Other brands to be featured include Cutty Sark whisky (Original, Prohibition and 12‐year‐old bottlings) and the Saint James rum range. The brand will be busy, however, with 40 important meetings planned per day.

Donatien Ferrari, group communication manager, says: “Prowein has been a key event for our industry for many years. All our teams are extremely motivated, and will be able to meet our partners to prepare for the future and consolidate our partnerships. The presence of different subsidiaries at the show (Italian, Portuguese) also allows us to strengthen our international teams.”

This year, the French firm launched 32% ABV spirit drink Dark Spiced under its new Ching Shih brand.


Molinari

Stand: D64, Hall 11

Sambuca brand Molinari will be presenting its Molinari Extra Sambuca, Molinari Caffè, Limoncello di Capri, Grappa Ceschia and VOV Zabaione Liqueur, plus more, at its stand.

With an aim to meet new partners and connect with its German customers, the brand will also be revealing new packaging for Limoncello di Capri. In 2020, the brand marked its 75th anniversary.

Molinari has also recently been building its global footprint, having partnered with Britvic Teisseire to distribute its line of London Essence tonics, its capsule collection of Britvic tonic waters, and its Mathieu Teisseire syrups.

Molinari Sambuca Extra was created in 1945 by Angelo Molinari, an experienced ‘liquorista’ in the port of Civitavecchia near Rome.

Angelo’s grandson, Mario Molinari, is now managing director of the brand. “We have two target audiences for Molinari,” he explains. “We have 40‐ to 50 ‐year‐ old consumers, and a younger target audience.”


Ron Carúpano

Stand: B31, Hall 11

Exhibiting its portfolio of Ron Añejos, including the Reserva 6 Especial, 12 Exclusiva, 18 Limitada and 21 Privada, Ron Carúpano is also targeting strategic alliances in European markets at this year’s Prowein.

G&S Export will be running the stall, and is inviting visitors to learn more about Venezuela’s ‘mother of rum’, Ron Carúpano, plus Brazil’s leading pot still cachaça, Magnifica De Faria, and more. Ron Carúpano will also be announcing its forthcoming projects.

“We are thrilled to showcase Ron Carúpano for the first time at Prowein,” says Philip Gillier, European export manager. “As we have successfully introduced the brand in Europe since 2021, this trade show will continue to fuel our brand’s growth in Europe, and also ignite some very interesting export opportunities across non‐European markets. Ron Carúpano was established in 1762, making it the first Venezuelan rum ever.”

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