While unfavorable currency rates and the global consumer credit crunch contributed to a temporary dip in the volume of sales, consumption has been steadily on the increase in the last several months, albeit in new ways and throwing up new market trends.

For instance, English sparkling wines is one of the biggest success stories of 2009, producers and retailers say, enjoying record sales as their appeal has grown on the back of the recession. Further, results posted by major brewers in the last quarter show the global beer market is riding out the tail-end of the financial crisis well with global beer consumption set to rise by 3.5% by 2015.

While the traditional premium markets such as Europe and the US continue to be stable, volume sales are increasing in developing markets such as Asia, notably China and India, Latin America and Eastern Europe; other new and developing markets include Kenya and Mexico. In the mature markets, while high-end buyers are opting for a value over volume strategy, mid-range consumers are choosing value for money by buying drinks from New Zealand, South Africa and Chile than those from the euro area.

The global economic downturn is making companies adopt an increasingly clever and ingenious approach to all aspects of business. "Now, more than ever, it is vital companies have direct access to the senior executives who take the final decision on vendor selection and the ultimate sign off on all budgets. But reaching the decision maker is costly, time-consuming and hard to achieve. Now this is where the Drink World Congress assists business by guaranteeing targeted, face-to-face business meetings with people that count," says Sonja Merchant, Director, Drink World Congress.

Drink World Congress 2010-2011 is a unique four-edition event aimed at finding new initiatives, arranging direct access to decision makers and delivering tangible business results for the growth of the producers of spirits and wines worldwide. Between September 2010 and June 2011, the congresses will be held in Hong Kong (8-10 Sep 2010), Milan (03-05 Nov 2010), New York (16-18 Mar 2011) and in Moscow (08-10 June 2011).

The event brings together hosted VIP buyers from specific regions around the world to meet with the world’s most sought after suppliers and makers of wine, spirits, beer and other alcoholic drinks to meet, exchange business terms and seal deals. This formula is successful because it is based on an unrivalled pre-qualified, pre-scheduled appointment system and effective networking opportunities.

The format and value-for-money price point of the congress ensures suppliers have a focused business environment, unparalleled access to potential clients, thus saving time and money, and delivering exceptional business results.

Very Early Bird Discounts for Suppliers end 22 December 2009. For more information please visit http://www.drinkworldcongress.com/supplier.php.
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