The countdown is well and truly under way - there are less than six months to go before the start of the 2010 London International Wine Fair, when the event will celebrate its 30^th anniversary. 

Thanks to major on-site improvements and an extension to the South hall, the LIWF and Distil will see a new layout at ExCeL next year. Distil, now in its third year, will join the LIWF in the South hall adjacent to the West Entrance and the venue improvements have also provided an opportunity to enhance the floorplan layout to encourage better traffic flow for all.  As well as strong support from all the major new and old world international pavilions, organiser Brintex has already confirmed the presence of key exhibitors for the 2010 event, including Pernod Ricard, Fosters and Bibendum.  Mexico (Tequila) and Peru (Pisco) are already on board for Distil which will retain its separate entrance and identity.

"We're really gearing up for a fresh and exciting anniversary next May. Expect plenty of changes, all designed to create a productive and enjoyable business platform for the trade.  We know that the shows genuinely affect visitors' buying behaviour and there could never be a more important time than now to be exhibiting," says James Murray, event director.  "The LIWF has not changed dramatically since we moved to ExCeL in 2002 and I am confident that the many new initiatives that we will be introducing for 2010 will ensure an absolute blockbuster of an event next year. The opportunity to move Distil adds even more value for spirits participants but it will remain a stand alone event that will benefit from specific crossover points with the Wine Fair."

Major features for both the LIWF and Distil will return in 2010, covering a wide range of themes and topical issues within the drinks industry. A new theatre will be built on the Fair's show floor to host industry briefings and the hugely popular masterclasses will return once again. Distil Tastings, hosted in partnership with Taste and Flavour, will spotlight a wide range of spirits categories to provide a real insight into the heritage, production and flavour profiles of a broad spectrum of spirits.  Additional exciting features and events for both the LIWF and Distil will be announced in the run up to May.