by Jewel Stephen
Spronks Creations Limited; the organiser of the yearly Nigeria International Wine & Spirit Fair (NIWSF), the foremost business event that brings wine and spirit producers, traders and consumers together, today unveiled plans for this year’s fair which will hold at the External Ballroom and Extension, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday and Friday 23 – 24, October 2014.
The Nigerian International Wine and Spirit Fair (NIWSF) is a world class platform for on-and-off trade businesses aimed at fostering inter-cultural business relationship between wine and spirit producing countries and sub-Saharan African countries. NIWSF also aimed at promoting local production of quality ingenious wine and spirits including educating consumers on wine cultures and etiquette.
This year’s fair, now fourth in the series, with the theme: Wine, Spirit, Trade, Consumer Experience and More, is sponsored by Louis Roederer; the prestigious producer of the number one Champagne in the world – Cristal Champagne and other expressive Champagnes. Over 30 wine and spirit exhibitors drawn from over 10 countries including Spain, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, United States of America, Argentina, Chile, Italy, France and Nigeria are expected grace this edition. Thousands of wine lovers, trader, restaurateurs, beverage and hospitality industry, connoisseurs, major retail chains, independent wine shops and those seeking joint ventures partnership are expected to visit the fair. It also offers networking opportunities and wide range of contents for the media.
Speaking at the media briefing and pre-event party which held in Lagos, Managing Director, Spronks Creations, organiser of the fair, Mrs. Aderonke Sobodu observed that, “The growth and acceptance of wine and spirit into our social lifestyle has made the country one of the fast emerging markets in the world, which in turn offers great opportunity for tourism, trade and commerce. This also created the need to expose indigenous wine and spirit producers to the global trade environment with Nigeria ranking as a fast growing market. Currently consumption figure of wine and spirit in the country is valued at over $350million based on our exportation.
She adds that, “The team of the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair, in partnership with the International Oenologists, is exploring the possibility of growing and producing the first commercial wine range in West Africa. Obudu Plateau, found on the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountain range has been identified as a potential location to explore wine production based on the landscape and altitude of this region. We are seeking the help of the Cross River State Government to achieve this feat.”
The Nigerian International Wine and Spirit Fair (NIWSF) 2014 promises to enthral with assorted display of wines and spirit for visitors to taste and savour. Exciting activities lined up include special Piano & Cigar Lounge designated for VVIP guests. Guests in this room will be treated to live smooth Jazz music, luscious canapés, Cognac and champagnes courtesy of Louis Roederer- world number one champagne house and complimentary cigar stick by the Lagos Cigar Club.
The General Relaxation Hub is the perfect spot to relax, have fun, network, play games and enjoy good smooth and jazz tunes. Other features include the top twenty wine tasting, raffle draws, press hub and many more.
Also speaking at the event, the Brand and Country Manager, Louis Roederer, Ms Frances Lawrence said the company is excited to sponsor the fair adding that, “We are very glad to be associated with Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair. Over the years the organisers have managed to position and maintain the fair as a prestigious event in the industry especially in West Africa, where there has been less focus on quality wine and spirit. For us at Louis Roederer, it is important to associate our brand with event such as this; that promotes wine and spirit culture and lifestyle. As the Number One Champagne in the world, we are proud to say that we only associate with the very best and we can say categorically that the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit offers such platform.’
As described by the Cellar Master, Louis Roedere Champagnes exhibits ‘the freshness, finesse and brightness of any champagne, making it the perfect wine for festive occasions. Its structured texture, richness, and length are distinctly winey. It is a full, complex wine that is both rich and powerful, whilst remaining the great classic champagne that can ever be.
Interested exhibitors and attendees are advised to register on the website www.nwsf-ng.com, or send an email to [email protected].
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