Eurovino: The New Must-Attend Wine Fair

In the competitive landscape of wine trade fairs, standing out requires not just innovation but a deep understanding of the market's needs. Eurovino, the brainchild of David Köhler, is rapidly becoming a vital platform for high-quality, innovative wine producers targeting the German-speaking market. With its inaugural edition in March 2024, Eurovino has already made significant strides, and plans for its 2025 edition are already generating considerable excitement.

David Köhler's journey to creating Eurovino began with a simple observation during conversations with industry experts in the summer of 2022: there was a glaring absence of a focused, independent platform where producers of high-quality wines could directly connect with the German-speaking market. This realization was the catalyst for Eurovino, which seeks to fill this gap by providing a space where producers and marketers from Germany and across Europe can showcase a carefully curated selection of wines.

Eurovino's debut in March 2024 was more than just a new entry on the wine fair calendar—it was a response to specific market conditions and demands. By providing a venue that emphasizes quality and relevance, and by offering visitors valuable insights to help shape their daily business decisions, Eurovino has positioned itself as a vital tool for retailers and the gastronomy sector.

What Sets Eurovino Apart?

Eurovino's slogan, "Wine in focus - Personal. Relevant. Fair," encapsulates the core values that differentiate it from other wine trade fairs. The emphasis on personal interaction is central to Eurovino's mission. The event is designed to facilitate meaningful exchanges between exhibitors and visitors, fostering both new business relationships and the strengthening of existing ones. This personal touch extends to the selection of exhibitors, who are carefully chosen by an advisory board to ensure that the event remains relevant and future-oriented.

Sustainability is another pillar of Eurovino's ethos. The fair integrates sustainable practices into its operations, from the "Fair Wine Awards" that recognize producers committed to sustainable practices, to the use of recycled materials in stand construction. The fair's "New Style" stands, made from reclaimed wood, and reusable stand modules are not just environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, ensuring a fair price-performance ratio for all participants.

The Road Ahead: Eurovino 2025

Building on the success of its first edition, Eurovino is already seeing strong interest in its 2025 event. As of August 2024, 170 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, a testament to the positive reception of the inaugural event. Many of the 305 exhibitors from 2024 are expected to return, driven by their successful experiences.

Recruiting exhibitors for the next edition involves a multi-faceted approach, including direct outreach through phone calls, web platforms, and social media, as well as leveraging the influence of a well-connected advisory board. Eurovino's extensive network of foreign representatives, most of whom have roots in the wine industry, also plays a crucial role in attracting international producers who wish to tap into the German-speaking market.

Special Services for Exhibitors

Eurovino offers a range of services designed to enhance the exhibitor experience and maximize their success at the fair. One notable feature is the Wine Experience, an innovative tasting area where wines from producers who cannot attend in person are showcased. This not only provides additional exposure for these wines but also enriches the visitor experience by offering a broader selection.

The Eurovino Wine Guide is another valuable tool. This digital platform, accessible year-round, features the wines presented at the fair, allowing for targeted searches and extending the reach of exhibitors beyond the event itself.

Exhibitors also benefit from a flat-rate invitation service, enabling them to invite an unlimited number of clients and business partners to the fair. This service, along with the various stand construction and marketing upgrades available, ensures that exhibitors can fully focus on engaging with visitors.

Differentiators in a Crowded Field

Eurovino's commitment to innovation extends beyond the basics. The Expert Area, for instance, is a program format designed to complement the exhibition without competing with it. This area offers visitors the chance to engage with experts on various topics relevant to retail and gastronomy at any time during the fair, a flexibility that sets Eurovino apart from more rigidly scheduled events.

The fair's sustainability efforts are also noteworthy. A significant portion of the stands at the 2024 event were recyclable, and Eurovino aims to increase this percentage in future editions. Exhibitors with organic or sustainability certifications are given additional visibility, both online in the Eurovino Wine Guide and on-site, further emphasizing the fair's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Thematic Focus for 2025

Peter Hauk, the Minister of Food, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection for Baden-Württemberg, will once again serve as the patron of Eurovino in 2025. Hauk's role is significant, as he represents the interests of both exhibitors and visitors, reinforcing the fair's importance within the region and beyond.

The 2025 edition of Eurovino will once again feature the Expert Area in the action pavilion at Messe Karlsruhe. Here, experts will provide visitors with practical advice and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the retail and gastronomy sectors. This area is designed to encourage spontaneous interactions, allowing visitors to engage with experts at any time during the fair without being tied to a fixed schedule.

For those in the restaurant and hospitality industries, Eurovino offers a wealth of opportunities to discover new products, explore innovations, and find practical solutions to enhance their wine offerings. The fair's diverse exhibitor portfolio, comprising suppliers from Germany and across Europe, provides a rich resource for professionals looking to expand and refine their wine selections.

As Eurovino prepares for its second edition in 2025, it is clear that the fair is poised to become a key event in the wine industry calendar, particularly for those targeting the German-speaking market. By combining a strong focus on personal interaction, relevance, and sustainability, Eurovino is not just another trade fair—it is a platform that reflects the evolving needs of the wine industry. With a successful debut behind it and robust plans for the future, Eurovino is set to continue its growth and impact in the years to come.