Regional and country trade promotion organizations, commonly known as “Generics” play a very unique role in the American wine trade. Their function is to promote brand awareness, imagery and provide education of the wine region as a whole. “As a group, we are a very important resource for the wine trade in America as a source for new products,” said Annette Badenhorst, Director of Wines of South Africa in the U.S. ProWein, International Trade Fair Wine and Spirits, is expecting 4,800 exhibitors and 45,000 trade visitors to attend the show in 2014, and Generics will be among those exhibiting and attending.
New products are recognized as the lifeblood of the industry. “Our experience with importers and on- and off-premise operators is to work with them to help them find the products and ideas they’re looking for to help improve and differentiate their offering,” added Nora Favelukes, Exec. Director of Wines of Argentina USA. She went on to say that American importers reinforce that attending ProWein is a fantastic opportunity to see the cutting edge of the industry today and to connect with producers and taste wines not yet available in the U.S.
“So when it comes to trade fairs such as ProWein, we are providing a platform on which the individual wineries can present themselves, but also add depth and education along the way. By putting on themed events, tasting pods and master classes, we can use the trade show as an opportunity to engage prospective buyers with our wines,” added Badenhorst. Debuting in ProWein 2011, Wines of South Africa, Wines of Chile and Wines of Argentina created an alliance of Southern Hemisphere countries under the heading “Flavours of the South” to leverage budgets, knowhow and networks to expand awareness and market share of three individual countries at ProWein.
