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Düsseldorf: The Spirits Business Hub will feature seminars and discussions led by industry experts, including Ian Somerhalder. The event, happening from 16 to 18 March, aims to tackle current market challenges while showcasing innovative spirits from around the globe.

The Spirits Business will take centre stage at the ProWein 2025 trade show, scheduled to take place from Sunday, 16 March to Tuesday, 18 March, at Messe Düsseldorf in Germany. This event promises a dynamic platform for key industry players in the wine and spirits sector, featuring three days of insightful seminars, talks, and tastings dedicated to current market challenges and opportunities.

Located in Hall 7, Stand CO1, The Spirits Business Hub will host a series of highly anticipated sessions, including a special Q&A with Ian Somerhalder, actor from The Vampire Diaries and co-founder of Brother’s Bond Bourbon. This conversation, titled “Bonding over Bourbon,” is set to occur at 4:30pm on Monday, 17 March, and aims to explore both Somerhalder’s journey in the spirits industry and broader trends influencing the market.

In an interview regarding the event, Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business, expressed enthusiasm for the programming, stating, “We cannot wait to welcome guests to The Spirits Business Hub at ProWein – for anyone with a keen interest in the spirits trade, these sessions will provide valuable insights and discussions.” Kiely underscored the intent to make the seminars both informative and enjoyable, particularly given the pressing challenges the industry is currently facing.

The seminar series will kick off on Sunday, 16 March, with a foundational session titled “ProSpirits Report: The Future of Spirits” at 10:20am. This session will delve into insights drawn from hundreds of international industry experts and highlight contributions from notable spirits companies such as La Martiniquaise-Bardinet and Pacific & Lime. Following this opening talk, participants can engage in topics including innovative distribution strategies, leveraging AI in the spirits sector, and revitalising vodka’s appeal in the market.

Monday’s agenda will feature discussions on the future of pricing strategies amid economic uncertainties, alongside presentations from Proof 8 on the role of technology in enhancing the alcoholic beverage landscape. Additional sessions will highlight the increasing popularity of Tequila and the rising influence of women in the spirits industry, ensuring a broad examination of current market dynamics.

On the final day, Tuesday, 18 March, the Hub will focus on critical issues such as potential tariff conflicts and their implications for the industry. Attendees will also gain insights into cocktail culture trends and the overall state of the global spirits market, with Kiely providing data and insights into key categories.

Moreover, The Spirits Business will showcase a selection from its Top 50 Most Innovative Spirits of 2024, allowing attendees to sample notable products.

The complete schedule of the Spirited Conversations is available for review online, and interested participants can register their attendance for the various talks. This strategic initiative at ProWein aims to equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to navigate a challenging market landscape effectively.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Joseph W

Joseph is a professional in the drinks industry, working with a range of start-up brands, he specialises in financial management and commercial strategy, with a keen focus on consumer behaviour and market trends.