10^th ANNUAL EDITION CELEBRATES GROWTH AND MOST SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY IMPACT TO DATE / NEXT EDITION TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2012

Largest Floorplan in History / Industry Professionals’ Attendance Doubles / More Than 2,000 Buyer/Producer Meetings Conducted 

MIAMI BEACH, FL – (October 2011)

Drawing more than 5,000 wine trade professionals to engage with 300 wineries and 1,200 wines from 16 countries; the Miami International Wine Fair (MIWF) saw the largest industry impact to date in its 10^th edition. An expanded focus to exclusively cater to wine-industry professionals over the comprehensive three-day event reinforced the Fair’s primary focus of creating a platform for exhibitors and buyers to conduct business in the world's largest wine market.

"We are extremely pleased with this year's results and are already working on next year's edition,” said David Bernad, co-founder of MIWF and one of the country's leading wine trade experts.  "The Fair's continued growth year-after-year further solidifies our understanding of what wine producers and buyers seek in a trade show and our ability to deliver on these needs."

Relationships between wine producers and buyers were strengthened with more than 2,000 meetings that fueled a 95 percent satisfaction rate with exhibitors, a record for MIWF and significantly above trade show industry standards.

“Everybody I spoke to was very impressed with the show, attendance and overall organization. It was worth for me to come all the way, as I have made some good connections in the US market.” said Bernabe Strydom of Capaia Wines from South Africa.

“MIWF provided an invaluable opportunity to meet importers, distributors and retailers from around the country. Our producers are very happy with the results obtained and truly look forward to next year’s edition. This is clearly the best and most international wine trade show I have attended in the US.”, commented Giuseppe Monforte, President of Consorzio America Export, which exhibited with 20 Italian producers from Piedmonte, Campania and Puglia.

More than 150 importers, distributors and retail chains from 50 states in the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, participated in the Wine Fair's "Buyers' Program”. While the exhibitor side saw an increased presence from France, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Chile - making up nearly 80 percent of the 70,000-square-feet of exhibit space used. Wineries from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Brazil, Canada and California also benefited from the little competition they found in their respective categories.

Furthermore, Friday's exhibitor seminar program was celebrated as a one-of-a-kind industry forum that served for wine producers and buyers alike to share and learn about industry trends around the country.  The 10-hour program also offered detailed information about the legal and logistical peculiarities of the top wine-consuming markets in the country; a step-by-step pricing guide for inexperienced producers; an in-depth discussion about the three-tier system; opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean, and much more.   The day concluded with an invitation-only tasting for companies without representation in the United States, followed by private dinners at Smith & Wollensky and the French Consul's residence, among other venues.

Overall, participating exhibitors and buyers agreed in describing MIWF as "America's true wine trade show" and a much needed business platform in a market that is heavily regulated and dominated by powerful corporations that make it difficult to penetrate.

About Miami International Wine Fair

The Miami International Wine Fair was founded in 2001 by entrepreneurs David Bernad and Benito Besada. During the last 10 years MIWF has grown by nearly 400% to become the leading wine trade show in the United States and one of the most important annual gatherings for wine industry professionals worldwide.