ProWein 2016 in Germany: First participation of Mauritian companies

Eight Mauritian companies have participated for the first time in ProWein, one of the leading international trade fairs for the promotion of wines and spirits, held in Düsseldorf, Germany from 13 to 15 March 2016. Local exhibitors showcased products such as rum, blended spirits, vodka, wine, fruit wine and liquor. The main objectives of this participation are to increase the visibility of Mauritian spirits in the European Union, to penetrate new markets in Europe, especially Eastern Europe and to enhance the image of Mauritius as a producer of quality spirits. With a growing cocktail culture among the youth, rum is becoming one of the fastest growing spirits categories in the world. Also, research undertaken recently has shown strong growth potential in regions where rum remains relatively underdeveloped, including Central and Eastern Europe. Thus, ProWein is an ideal platform for Mauritian spirit manufacturers, providing them with an opportunity to promote their whole range of spirits and alcoholic beverages to influential buyers, traders and distributors from Europe. Export of spirits and alcoholic beverages has increased steadily from Rs 68.2 million in 2010 to Rs 199.56 million in 2014. Europe attracted 29% of our total domestic exports of spirits and beverages in 2014, with Netherlands, France and UK being the main markets. According to Statistics Mauritius, exports of spirits and alcoholic beverages stood at Rs 166 million for the period January to September 2015.

About ProWein

ProWein is the world’s leading trade fair for wine professionals. The whole range of wines and spirits is represented. The fair is only visited by top-quality trade specialists, with 82 % of them involved in the decision making process. Some 6,000 exhibitors are expected in the 2016 edition of ProWein. In 2015, Prowein attracted some 5,981 exhibitors from 120 countries and over 52,000 visitors.