Prowein, the semi annual congregation of the entire wine world occurred in Düsseldorf, Germany last month and I was there for a couple of days. Two busy days of talking to wine producers, distributors, tasting wines, looking at packaging and equipment.
It was a very busy show and business was brisk? I was amazed at the innovation of packaging and marketing. In addition, I cannot say I tasted one bad wine there either. In this extremely competitive business, I guess you have to be innovative and produce excellent wine in order to survive.
In terms of wine innovation, fruit based wines, coolers and brandies seem to be on the increase as well as quality ciders. There is a whole new class of consumers in Europe looking for transition alcoholic products and fruit seems to fit the bill.