The second edition of the ProWine, jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, was held at the swanky Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai in October this year.
The growing stature of the premier event was evidenced by the response it elicited: around 150 companies from across 19 countries showcasing over 1,000 brands to more than 4,000 attendees from the industry.
Participating countries include Italy, Armenia, Austria, Switzerland, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Finland, Germany and India. With FTAs (free trade agreements) on the cards with several of these countries, including Australia, the country is now an attractive market – and a clutch of wine growers from several countries were excited at the prospect of entering the country and getting a share of its lucrative pie.
On showcase was an array of wines well represented by brands from India and other countries. The French Pavilion, led by Business France, as well as country pavilions from South Australia, Portugal and Chile brought in their country wine makers and provided access to visitors to meet the wine producers digitally throughout the day.
What was also evident was the growing participation of vodka, whiskey and single malts, rum, tequila, mezcal and beer brands – all pointing to the expanding scope of the event as a platform not just for wines.
Prominent spirits brands included Samsara Gin, Blisswater Industries (Rahasya vodka and Yaksha whiskey) and MakaZai Rum. Meanwhile, Hafele India, one of the sponsors of the event, showcased its Asko wine climate cabinets, which are effectively a fully equipped wine cellar.
Master classes
The concurrently organized ProWine master classes met with a good response for all 15 sessions that were spread over the two days. The programme was represented by eminent speakers from across the industry – a good mix of veteran mentors and young trailblazers – introducing new trends, the best of knowledge and tastings that covered a range of wine and spirit categories.
Discovering Hayman’s gin from its owner, James Hayman; exploring the diversity of South Australia’s wine programme; and an introduction to Short Story spirits by Pankaj Balachandran, Brand Director; saw an enthusiastic response and audience participation.
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the consulate generals of the Argentine Republic, the US, Australia, France, Ireland, Chile and South Africa.
This was indicative of the interest in India as an evolving wine market that is maturing and growing rapidly.
This year, ProWine Mumbai also included the prestigious India Wine Awards by Sonal Holland Wine Academy. The winners of the best wines, both domestic and international, available in the Indian market were announced and received their accolades.
The awards ceremony also saw a discussion by Sonal Holland (MW) on ‘The Rising Role of Women in the Indian Alcobev Sector’. After the event, some of the most successful women in the industry were felicitated.
The third edition of ProWine Mumbai is scheduled for 12-14 October, 2023. For more information, visit www.prowine.in.
