Two major European wine fairs, Prowein in Düsseldorf, Germany and Vinitaly in Verona have been postponed.
Prowein, which was due to take place from March 15 to March 17 has been postponed by Messe Düsseldorf because of fears over the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Messe Düsseldorf said it was following recommendations from the German government’s crisis management team. No date has been announced for Prowein.
Meanwhile, the organisers of Vinitaly announced yesterday (3 March) that they will also be postponing the fair as well as all other events revolving around Vinitaly such as the International Wine Academy to June. The revised dates for the fair have been set to 14-17 June.
Originally Vinitaly was scheduled to take place between 19 and 22 April.
Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Veronafiere, said: “Following the rapid evolution of the international situation giving rise to evident difficulties concerning all promotional activities, Veronafiere has decided to postpone the dates for Vinitaly, Enolitech and Sol&Agrifood to 14-17 June 2020, judged to be the best period for ensuring the highest business quality standards for exhibitors and visitors.”
Maurizio Danese, president of Veronafiere, added: “Rescheduling Vinitaly in June, as well as other important international events in Milan and Bologna is a signal that Made in Italy is convinced of a prompt economic recovery in key sectors of the country-system.
“We therefore hope that the new national trade fair calendar will generate renewed confidence and be the tool which will capitalise on the resumption of operations in our country.”
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