HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
The Indian wine and spirits industry came alive at ProWine Mumbai 2024, a two-day extravaganza held on November 8-9 at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre. Co-organized by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, the event surpassed expectations, blending business, innovation, and celebration. This year, the addition of ProSpiritsunderlined the show’s commitment to offering equal prominence to the spirits industry, making it a comprehensive platform for networking, learning, and showcasing.
A Grand Opening
Dignitaries and trade commissions from countries including Chile, France, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa, and the UK graced the inauguration ceremony. The event opened with the ceremonial popping of Casa Bottega Prosecco, followed by a ribbon-cutting moment that symbolized the beginning of two dynamic days.
A Platform for Industry Giants
The event offered unparalleled opportunities for stakeholders to connect. From hoteliers and restaurateurs to importers and sommeliers, attendees flocked to the sprawling 7,000 sqm exhibition space to meet 170 exhibitors representing over 1,000 brands from 18 countries. Exhibitors emphasized the value of high-quality footfalls, calling the event a cornerstone for fostering business ties and industry growth.
“The show has been very rewarding, allowing us to gather valuable insights and establish connections for launching our brands in India,” said Wayne Ellis, GM of Duxton Vineyards Pty. Ltd. Echoing the sentiment, Adele Tosanotti, Brand Manager at Casa Vinicola Costanza SRL, noted, “ProWine Mumbai truly embodies the spirit of ‘Passion meets Business.’ It has been an eye-opening experience, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions
The event wasn’t just about tastings; it was also a hub for knowledge-sharing. Panel discussions tackled pivotal industry topics, attracting intelligent audiences eager for insights. Highlights included panels like “For Sommeliers, By Sommeliers,” showcasing India’s burgeoning wine scene, and “Creating a World-Class Bar Program,” which celebrated the intersection of talent and culture in bar management.
Sanjay Menon, a panel host and industry stalwart, reflected on the event’s value: “ProWine Mumbai serves as a catalyst for change, awareness, and business. It was incredible to see so many brands and buyers come together.”
Masterclasses and Showcases
Eleven masterclasses captivated attendees, combining brand storytelling with high-quality tastings. Topics ranged from exploring new brands to understanding market dynamics. Each session was packed, underscoring the growing thirst for industry knowledge.
The ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge also took center stage, featuring blind tastings by industry professionals and enthusiasts to identify the finest wines and spirits available in India. Winners were celebrated at the dedicated “Winning Wines & Spirits Bar” during the ProWine Mumbai Night.
Bartenders Shine Bright
The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition showcased exceptional talent in mixology. From over 100 entries, finalists competed in rounds emphasizing creativity and speed, with themes like folktale-inspired cocktails. Nikhil Kamble from Nho Saigon, Mumbai, emerged victorious, winning an international guest shift and industry-wide acclaim.
Celebrating Excellence
The ProWine Mumbai Night, now a coveted networking event, honored industry leaders through its Honoring Excellence Awards. Unlike conventional competitions, the awards celebrated individuals making noteworthy contributions to the wine and spirits trade.
A Promising Future
With nearly 6,000 attendees, ProWine Mumbai 2024 was a resounding success. “The event has solidified its position as the premier platform for the wine and spirits industry. We are thrilled with this year’s turnout and look forward to an even more spectacular edition next year,” said Ajay Kumar Gulati, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf India.
The fifth edition of ProWine Mumbai is already scheduled for October 31–November 1, 2025.
