Увага! На сайті використовуються cookie файли.
The site uses cookie files
Даний сайт має вікове обмеження.
This site has age restrictions!
Я підтверджую, що мені, на жаль, давно виповнилося 18 років
The professional exhibition of wines and alcoholic beverages, Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024, took place in Kyiv at the end of October. The communication media group Drinks+ was the international information partner of the event.
This year, Wine&Spirits Ukraine was held alongside World Food Ukraine. According to the organizers’ estimates, over three days, more than 4,000 guests attended both events, with at least a third of them being professionals from the wine and alcohol industry.
“The main criterion for the exhibition’s success for me is the feedback from guests and participants, and this time it was very positive; the results exceeded our expectations!” comments the organizer of Wine&Spirits Ukraine, Victoria Agromakova. “Our most important task is to create a platform for effective communication between producers and buyers, finding new business partners, expanding the assortment for HoReCa and retail establishments, and promoting the development of Ukrainian winemaking and alcohol production. Based on the feedback, our team successfully achieved this goal.”
As part of Wine&Spirits Ukraine, an event by Wine Travel Awards was held – “A Holistic Approach: Paradoxes of Ukraine’s Import and Export,” where invited experts Robert Joseph and Richard Bampfield, both members of the WTA 2024-2025 jury, discussed global trends in the wine industry, the profitable connection between wine and tourism, and various advantages in different markets. After the exciting presentation by the well-known speakers, a tasting session was held, showcasing the best samples of drinks from the award community: wines from K’avshiri and Tenuta Manoylo, as well as vibrant liqueurs from Honey Badger. Additionally, all exhibition participants were treated to a surprise from the Drinks+ media group – at the media group’s stand and during the event, visitors had the opportunity to get acquainted with and receive the latest issue of the Drinks+ magazine.
Among the visitors to Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024, the number of representatives from regional retail and regional HoReCa from various parts of Ukraine significantly increased, which, according to the organizers, is a sign of very positive business processes. Interest in Ukrainian wines and other alcoholic products created by domestic producers has also been growing each year. This was confirmed by the Wine&Spirits Restaurant & Retail Awards for the best assortment of Ukrainian wines and spirits in retail and the restaurant sector, which took place as part of the exhibition.
This year, 30 applications were submitted for the award, and the esteemed jury selected 13 winners in various categories:
“Both the geography of the applicants and the level of the assortment and wine lists presented impressed all the jury members,” says Victoria Agromakova. “Most participants work not only with well-known large producers but also with the most relevant and interesting Ukrainian craft. A lot of attention is paid by professionals in the wine and alcohol market to regional producers, but they also strive to create a representative picture of Ukrainian winemaking and the traditions of producing liqueurs, tinctures, whiskey, gin, vodka, and other alcoholic beverages. Once again, we are convinced: we have much to be proud of!”
This year, a special section for beer and ciders was created at the exhibition, where around 10 participants from various parts of Ukraine presented their products. The segment of these beverages in Ukraine is rapidly developing, and the quality and variety of products from domestic producers continue to grow, so the organizers hope to expand this direction in future exhibitions.
New additions to the assortment were presented by import companies at Wine&Spirits Ukraine. Ukrainian imports have adapted to the current challenging conditions and continue to introduce domestic wine and spirits enthusiasts to the best global products. What has changed in the approach to forming import portfolios, and what challenges are importers facing? Vadym Gurov, head of the wine and spirits department at the WINETIME chain – winner of the Wine&Spirits Restaurant & Retail Awards 2024 – shared his thoughts on this issue: “The import structure has a clear trend toward more budget-friendly options, due to rising prices amid inflation and a significant increase in foreign currency exchange rates. As the cost of imported goods increases rapidly while income levels remain relatively unchanged, consumers are seeking more affordable products.”
“With each year, demand for Ukrainian products grows, and this is a positive trend,” Vadym believes. “Today, Ukrainian production is supported by all industry professionals, whereas about 10 years ago, it was only the prerogative of a few enthusiasts. As for the sale of imported alcohol in Ukraine, it is unlikely that volumes will significantly decrease in the coming years. The main factor here is the price of imports, which is often more competitive compared to Ukrainian products. Nevertheless, based on WINETIME’s experience, I have to say that consumers are now willing to pay more for Ukrainian wine.”
Among the guests of Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024 were importers from Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, and Estonia, as well as a delegation of buyers from Norway, who signed several contracts with Ukrainian producers during the exhibition. The recognition of Ukrainian wines abroad and demand for them is steadily growing – especially in the Nordic markets. The arrival of such a large number of importers in Kyiv, despite the martial law situation, indicates that European consumers are eager to see our wines on the shelves of their stores.
As part of the exhibition, the Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards 2024 tasting competition took place. This year, it gathered 225 wines, ciders, tinctures, and other alcoholic beverages from all over Ukraine and abroad. A total of 204 samples were awarded prizes.
According to the feedback from the esteemed jury, in the past two years, not only the quantity but also the quality of the wines and alcoholic drinks participating in the competition has increased – especially regarding Ukrainian products. “Considering this experience and the dynamics of development, we plan to elevate the competition to a new, larger scale. From now on, this event will take place once a year, separately from the Wine&Spirits exhibition,” shares her plans Victoria Agromakova.
So, we are looking forward to the next Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards competition in April 2025. The Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2025 exhibition will be held on October 28-30, 2025, at the Kyiv International Exhibition Center.
⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.
⇒ Every like is taken as a toast!
