B for the best bartenders, C for community, B for business – for the ninth time, the BCB, BarConvent Berlin, spelled out its unique formula for success as Europe’s most important event of its type for bartenders and the spirits and beverage industries. Clearly reflecting this achievement, there was a 30% increase in exhibitors along with a marked expansion of the event’s international reach and a 20% attendee increase to 11,280 (9,621 of them trade).
Called upon by the BCB, these bar stars didn’t miss their chance to shine: distinguished international bar experts Gary Regan, Alex Kratena, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Edgar Harden, Jörg Meyer and Felipe Januzzi. But they were not alone. Distributors and importers also travelled from all corners, be it from the US, this year’s Country of Honour Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Peru, from Japan, China, Singapore and India, and even from Australia and South Africa. For two days, they turned Berlin into the capital of the spirits.
‘Internationality begets quality. The BCB continues to elevate its international relevance as a central industry and business event’, said BCB Director, Petra Lassahn.
Internationality also dominated the picture on the exhibitor side. Exhibitors from a total of 30 nations – including global spirits makers such as Beam Global – Jim Beam, Borco Marken Import, Brown-Forman, Campari Germany, Diageo, Mast Jägermeister SE and Pernod Ricard, as well as DISCUS, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States – presented new creations and popular classics.
Biggest Brew Berlin ever
‘Full craft ahead’ was one of the taglines at Brew Berlin, the beer event at BCB, staged for the first time in a dedicated space. But new craft beer makers weren’t the only ones enjoying the enhanced format. Speciality brewers such as Weisse Bräuhaus G. Schneider & Sohn and BraufactuM were joined by major brands, including Beck’s and Pilsner Urquell. According to Bar Convent’s Jens Hasenbein, ‘beer has joined soft drinks and spirits as a pillar of our trade show concept, one that’s developing in a highly dynamic way.’
So, what did you think?
‘This is our first experience at BCB. I am really impressed about the show. And I think for Cachaca it was a very good opportunity to show the people here what Cachaça is. We plan to take part again next year.’
Carlos Lima, Executive Director, IBRAC Brazilian Institute of Cachaça
‘A huge success, especially in showcasing the diversity of American spirits to the audience in Europe. We are here with 30 brands from the US market. We couldn’t be happier with the response. We have been here for three years, each better than the last.’
Eric Reller, Director of State Government Communications, Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS)
‘The BCB got even bigger, even more international. This is where we meet the opinion leaders we want to meet. At the BCB, we bring our brand to life and are able to provide our customers with an experience.’
Martin zum Felde, Trade Marketing Manager, Pernod Ricard Deutschland GmbH
‘Huge crowds, amazing traffic, interesting new people to talk to… The BCB has grown up.’
Urs Hessenauer, Marketing Director, MOËT HENNESSY Deutschland GmbH
‘My second BCB and it’s always a great experience to see the concentration of the Spirits Industry here. It’s a great approach to the European Market.’
Steve Beam, President and Distiller, Limestone Branch Distillery
‘This was the first time we were represented at a trade fair with a beer product. We are beyond thrilled, in part because of the feedback we received for our ‘Taste the World’ range of speciality beers.’
Alwin Gerzer, Head of Sponsoring & Events Germany, Anheuser-Busch InBev Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
‘Brew Berlin is our first trade fair ever. We appreciated the pleasant and professional atmosphere, and we were able to make excellent contacts.”
Robin Weber, MD, Berliner Berg GmbH
‘There’s a palpable enthusiasm at the show – the spirit shared by the industry.’
Niklas Gärtner, MD, Prelaunch Union GmbH
‘The trade fair is on a great trajectory. The contacts we established here this year were really high quality.’
Harald Weitzl, Senior Brand Manager, Schlumberger Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co KG
‘A chance to get up close and personal and to hear opinions. To me, that’s what the BCB is all about.’
Christoph Keller, Master Distiller, Monkey 47
‘Quality still prevails. Also on board with us were our international partners, who also consider the BCB a great opportunity for establishing new contacts.’
Cord Hendryck Vinke, Marketing Director, MGB International Premium Brands GmbH
“Visitors at the Bar Convent value high-quality products and ingredients. This quality aspiration is what connects premium coffee-segment providers like us to the upper echelon of the spirits and beverage industry. What’s more, lots of bars are currently expanding their portfolio by adding a new category – coffee cocktails. We also noticed at our stand that the Nespresso martini was just as highly sought-after as our traditional coffee specialities.’
Stefan Schloßnagel, Head of Sales Hotels/Restaurants/Cafés, Nespresso Deutschland GmbH
