Spronks Creations Limited, organisers of the yearly Nigeria International Wine & Spirit Fair (NIWSF), has described the platform as critical in tackling adulteration wine and spirit adulteration in the country.
NIWSF is the foremost business event that brings wine and spirit producers, traders and consumers together.
Mrs. Aderonke Sobodu, managing director, Spronks Creations, said at the commencement of the fair in Lagos on Thursday, that NIWSF, apart from being 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, consumers are using the process to identify with traders and producers of different brands in the market.
According to her, “the fair enables interface with the traders-wholesalers and retailers. So, instead of people falling into the dangers of adulterated drinks, they can use this platform to identify with you (the producer or sellers)”.
The 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 were seen at the fair, which also offers networking opportunities.
Sobodu added 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”.
Speaking on the sustainability of the feat, the Spronks Creations Boss said, “What keeps us going is passion. For us, we know that for every good thing, there are phases. We need to grow with it; it is like having new born. Before they will walk they will crawl. The driving force to us is to do something right. We will keep moving.
“According to statistics, the chances for SMEs to survive can be deduced from the operations within the first five years. We have passed the through the third year, now in the fourth and we will keep going. Also, there are people who shared in our passion and dream.
“We believe that the Nigerian consumer should be aware to the platform for quality wine and spirit.
“The concept for the fair was carved out of the gap in the market; for wine & spirit manufacturers and distributors. Nigerian market is ripe, but there are still areas to be addressed. Some people organizing events, sometimes, do not know who to approach to make orders, directly, from the producers. This is a right platform for consumer experience; where they can have face-to-face discussions with the producers, express themselves and get appreciated.
“I think this is one of the ways to contain brewing or selling of adulterated wine. If you are a producer or an importer a brand of wine and could showcase it at the fair, it shows you are sure of your product. We are not just meeting with the consumers”.
The Nigerian International Wine and Spirit Fair (NIWSF) 2014 provided enthrall atmosphere with assorted display of wines and spirit for visitors to taste and savour.
Exciting activities 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.