TVision Technology exhibited at the 36th London Wine Fair held at Olympia this week. The event is now a well established annual fair to promote all things wine trade related. The London Wine Fair brings together some 18,000 buyers, producers and trade professionals: from importers to sommeliers, merchants to producers. And increasingly, organisations such as TVision Technology who provide services to the trade.
Predominantly wine focused, after all it is the Wine Fair, “non-wine” exhibitors included logistics companies, cork specialists, consumables and advisors. This was TVision’s fourth consecutive year at the event as suppliers of software specifically configured to meet all aspects of the operational process of wine and spirit distribution. This particularly resonated this year with increasing awareness of the need for joined up systems (back office operations, CRM, retail, online and reporting). Nicki Stewart, TVision’s Client Engagement Director, comments, “The Fair is a great opportunity to connect with clients, understand more about the industry and promote our Wine System software.”
TVision exhibited alongside existing clients Enotria & Coe, Mentzendorff & Co, Hallgarten Druitt and Berkmann Wine Cellars. Barwell & Jones also showcased wines in “The View” section of the show, specifically for invited sommeliers to taste. Much of the event is centred on wine tasting, with producers keen to find importers and importers keen to find clients, especially throughout the on-trade (bars and restaurants).
The Drinks Business annual awards also takes place during the show and TVision was pleased to see clients recognised in a number of categories, including On-Trade Supplier of the Year (Liberty Wines) and runner up for the Fine Wine Retailer award (Goedhuis & Co). “We are really pleased to see our clients enjoy success and recognition by their peers,” Nicki Stewart continues, “Enotria also scooped two awards and between these three companies the whole scope of the software’s capabilities is encapsulated.”
Away from the tastings and parties there were more sobering talks on new legislation facing the industry, especially the Alcohol Wholesalers Registration Scheme (AWRS) that required companies to register by 31st March this year and HMRC’s “FITTED” guidelines. The FITTED policy firmly places liability on the wine trade and so due diligence, process and evidence of conforming become of utmost importance. “Compliance is of increasing importance,” Claudio Martell, TVision’s Wine System Product Manager, “for us this means ensuring that the Wine System helps traders meet the ever expanding requirements from HMRC.”
The London Wine Fair has changed and evolved over its 36 years, keeping pace with the industry. The show reflects the constant ingenuity of wine merchants; sourcing products and also bringing them to market with award winning brand and marketing campaigns. Nicki Stewart concludes, “TVision is very proud to be associated with the event, we look forward to returning next year.”
