The Big Fortified Tasting (The BFT) 2010, London

The Big Fortified Tasting (the BFT) 2010, London Your invitation to reserve space on a provisional basis

The Big Fortified Tasting (The BFT) is now set to become a reality in 2010, and establish what will come to be seen as the most important trade event for the fortified sector anywhere.

We have already had enquiries from potential BFT visitors from as far afield as the USA and New Zealand, and have confirmed over 30 exhibitors from all corners of the fortified wine world.

Now we can give you the following details:

Date - Monday 19th April

Venue - The Glaziers Hall, Central London (subject to final confirmation)

Event Timing – 10:30 – 17:30

Tasting Zones All visitor feedback confirms that tasters expect the event to be 'zoned' - that is to say, the hall will be separated out into areas of region, appellation or denomination.

Cost of exhibiting The price of taking space at the event will include standard 6 foot table, cloth, ice if required, tasting glasses for attendees, tasting brochure, presence on the BFT website, refreshments and lunch and full feedback after the event.

Full table - £950 + VAT Half Table - £550 + VAT

Up to 12 wines can be shown on a full table. Up to six wines can be shown on a half table.

The BFT may also be a useful environment to arrange seminars and themed tasting tables, generically or specific to your brand.

Note to agents who have 'feet' in different categories. We appreciate that there are a number of agents who represent, for example, port and sherry, or port and madeira houses under the same roof. We can offer a 10% discount to any agent who books more than one table in different 'zones'.

Payment 50% with booking (deadline 5th March 2010) 50% balance by Friday 2nd April 2010

How to book Please just reply to this email, specifying whether you wish to book a half, or full table. We will confirm your space by return, and provide payment details.

Press Release www.thedrinksbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10539&Itemid=66

Feedback We have had a unanimously positive response from our test market of visitors (supermarkets, high street retailers, independent merchants, wholesalers, sommeliers and opinion formers). This doesn't even include the large expected interest from European mainland visitors, and MW and Diploma students. Here are just a couple of opinions:

“The BFT is a fantastic innovation. It allows us, as buyers, to see the fortified category in a snapshot and in the incredibly busy wine trade tasting calendar, this is a huge advantage to us; in effect we now have the potential for a one-stop shop for fortified wines.” Graham Nash, Wine Buyer, (Portugal, S Africa, New Zealand, Burgundy, Rhone, Alsace, Germany), Tesco Stores Ltd.

"It sounds good. I shall attend" - Hamish Anderson, Tate Galleries Wine Buyer and Wine Writer.

Website www.thebft.co.uk

The BFT is already attracting press attention - we hope it will now attract yours.

With best wishes

Danny Cameron Ben Campbell-Johnston The B.F.T.

PS If you have any questions, just drop us a line and we'll get right back to you.