As a craft spirit brand, one of the most important things to do is connect with people directly. Being able to talk about your products and taste them together in person is a huge benefit when trying to get your message out there.

One of the best places to foster these types of connections is at trade shows. They’re a great opportunity to showcase your products to a targeted audience of industry professionals and potential customers and connect with key decision-makers, retailers, and bar owners, opening doors for business growth and partnerships.

We know it’s not always easy to find the time to always be networking. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 European trade shows you should attend.

1. Bar Convent Berlin (🇩🇪 Berlin, Germany)

One of the leading international trade fairs for the bar and spirits industry, featuring a diverse range of craft spirits, mixers, and cocktail trends.‍

2. Vinexpo (🇫🇷 Bordeaux, France)

A major wine and spirits trade show that brings together industry professionals from around the world to network, taste, and discover the latest trends in the market.‍

3. ProWein (🇩🇪 Düsseldorf, Germany)

A prominent international trade fair for wines and spirits, showcasing a wide array of products, including craft spirits from emerging and established brands.‍

4. Imbibe Live (🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom)

The UK's leading trade show for the on-trade drinks industry, featuring a vast selection of spirits, wines, beers, and other beverages, along with expert-led seminars and tastings.

5. Spirits in the Sky (🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium) 

A high-end spirits tasting event that focuses on premium and craft spirits, offering visitors the chance to sample and learn about a diverse range of products.

6. Boutique Bar Show (🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom)

An event designed to showcase small, independent brands in the spirits industry, providing a platform for networking, education, and growth.

7. Whisky Live (🇪🇺 Various European locations)

A series of international events celebrating whisky and other fine spirits, offering tastings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities for professionals in the industry.

8. Roma Bar Show (🇮🇹 Rome, Italy)

A trade show dedicated to the bar and spirits industry in Italy, featuring craft spirit brands, mixology competitions, and educational seminars.

9. Athens Bar Show (🇬🇷 Athens, Greece)

A leading event for the Greek bar and spirits industry, offering an extensive lineup of craft spirits, masterclasses, and networking opportunities for professionals.

Remember to check the event websites for the latest dates and information, as schedules might change due to various factors.

If you’re a craft brand looking to launch & grow in new markets in Europe, we always suggest using Lexir’s distribution platform to get started. Lexir handles all of the tedious admin and tax work needed to enter a new market, and provides you with the tools you need to connect with new audiences everywhere. It’s easy and affordable for craft brands providing 3x better margins for brands than traditional distributors.

‍If this sounds like something you’d be interested in for your craft brand, be sure to visit lexir.com