ProWein 2023, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, was a resounding success with all around top ratings and strong international reach. Wine and spirits professionals from all over the world experienced three intense days at the event in Düsseldorf, Germany. The focus was on the broad and deep range of wines and spirits from around the globe. Above all, topics such as  sustainability, alternative wine packaging and no-and-low alcohol drinks shaped this year’s leading trade fair. As did pop icon Kylie Minogue, who launched her new alcohol-free sparkling rosé at ProWein. “ProWein has once again proven to be the leading international fair of the wine and spirits industry. As with the producers in the sector – achieving this takes a great deal of passion. We have once again done our best to not just be good but better,” said Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, summing up the success of the event.

Get the taste of business

This message certainly came through. The entire who’s who of the industry was present at ProWein 2023. No other trade fair in the world offers such a comprehensive line-up. 86% of the approximately 6,000 exhibitors were of international origin, coming from more than 60 countries. The market leaders in the global wine and spirits industry were represented as well as importers and exporters, trade agencies, “Prädikat” wine estates or cooperatives and associations. Traditionally, Italy is the largest nation at ProWein, followed by France, Germany and Spain. The New World also showcased an impressive portfolio, as did the spirits segment at ProWein.

International professionals among themselves

Its exceptionally international range is ProWein’s unique selling point. For the international buyers from food retail, specialist trade and hotel/gastronomy/catering, ProWein was therefore once again the undisputed key business industry event this year. Despite public transport strikes, a total of 49,000 trade visitors (2022: 38,000) from retail and food service/hospitality came to Düsseldorf. Once again, visitors’ decision-making authority set new standards: two thirds of attendees were involved in purchasing decisions. The high level of internationality of the trade fair was also confirmed: Visitors came from 141 countries (2022: 145 countries). It was noticeable that  the Asian region was again more strongly represented. This year, the focus of interest was not only on wines from the leading wine-growing regions. No-and-low alcohol drinks and alternative packaging were also in great demand. Every second visitor was interested in no-and-low alcohol drinks and every third attendee in alternative packaging.  

Exhibitors also gave ProWein top marks again this year. Monika Reule, Managing Director of the German Wine Institute (DWI), said: “German exhibitors gave a positive verdict on this year’s ProWein. They were very satisfied with the quality and quantity of trade visitors, especially from abroad. In view of the challenging market situation at home, the export business is becoming increasingly important for many producers. At this year’s ProWein, many exhibitors were able to strengthen and further expand their international trade links.” Paul Molleman, European Director at California Wines, summed up his ProWein experience: “The California Wines booth was once again one of the must-visits at the show for many visitors. On about 700 sqm, more than 200 wineries were able to meet the demand very well. We struck a nerve with visitors with our “Explore Sustainable California” exhibit. Sustainable viticulture was the main topic of this trade show and we were able to present our commitment to this within the exhibition.” 

Board member at Semper idem Underberg AG Thomas Mempel added: “ProWein 2023 has great strategic value for us. The most important national and international importers and distributors from the spirits sector come together here every year.”

ProWein & ProWein World: a strong network

Also very successful are the ProWein World satellite events in Asia and South America. In 2023, a total of six trade fairs are scheduled outside Düsseldorf: Wine & Gourmet Japan – powered by ProWein (April 12 – 14), ProWine Singapore (April 25 – 28), ProWine Hong Kong (May 10 – 12), ProWine Sao Paulo (October 3 – 5), ProWine Shanghai (November 8 – 10) and ProWine Mumbai (November 24 – 25).

The next ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany, will take place from March 10 – 12, 2024. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at ProWein 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.prowein.com and www.mdna.com

TORONTO, March 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Earls Restaurant Group is excited to share further details for the opening of their new Toronto flagship location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, located in the North end of the city. The new location is set to open April 21st, 2023 and will be a sophisticated extension of the brand in the high-end shopping centre. This will also mark the group's 69th North American installment.

In line with the company's vision and core pillar of unchaining the chain by creating a collection of independently compelling restaurants, each location taps into the aura of its surrounding community. The stunning design of this location will be inspired by, and created for, the Yorkdale shopper – from the design of the space, to the wine list and fresh menu additions, to the local art on the walls. The tailored menu is designed specifically with the Yorkdale audience in mind, inspired by our world travels, and created by renowned Chef, David Wong. The menu is set to include new dishes such as Yuzu Tuna Tataki, an expansive Seafood Tower, and Angry Chicken Lettuce Wraps, exclusively at Earls Yorkdale for the launch.

In tandem with the exclusive food offerings, Earls Yorkdale will also have a number of unique cocktail, wine and beer options, chosen specifically for this location. With a wine list curated by beloved Sommelier David Stansfield, it is set to feature a selection of local Ontario and Niagara wines in addition to a global wine offering. In line with the April opening date, the Spring wine feature is Post Malone's Maison No9 Rose, which is exclusively offered at Earls. Featured cocktails also include Cucumber Jalapeno Ranch Water, Grapefruit Hibiscus Paloma and the Passion Fruit Chili Margarita.

"As we continue to expand and grow our presence in the Toronto region, we are so excited to see great receptions to the brand in this area," says Kristin Vekteris, Chief Brand Officer at Earls Restaurant Group. "Earls Yorkdale is the perfect addition to set the scene for this year's continued Toronto expansion. With a stylish and upscale feel designed uniquely for this location, we are thrilled to be in such a prestigious and coveted location."

Earls Yorkdale will be the brand's new Toronto flagship restaurant, joining the five other locations in the Greater Toronto Area, and the 59 locations across Canada. The brand is set to open Earls Manulife Centre this fall, and Earls King West early next year.  As Earls continues to expand, they are committed to their promise of carefully crafted experiences at each location. Earls Yorkdale is excited to offer a sophisticated, yet welcoming space creating a sense of escapism from the bustling shopping centre.

In line with the company's commitment to supporting local artists in the community their restaurants exist in, the beautiful new location will showcase a range of local modern art which will play a major role in the overall design. Earls has commissioned the work of notable Toronto talent including Devon Pryce, Amelia Valentine, Jasmine Cardenas, Nelson Cheng and Dan Clima, who together created an eclectic collection that evokes escapism and worldly travel, tying to the overall theme of the location.

Just 30 minutes from Downtown Toronto, Earls Yorkdale is situated in the North Run of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, with both interior access from the mall and exterior access from the parking lot. The shopping centre is easily accessible from the Yonge-University subway line and the 401, providing customers an easy location to access just outside the city.

Earls looks forward to opening its doors to welcome guests to its new Yorkdale location in April, with seatings beginning on April 21st. Reservations will be open as of mid-April via OpenTable. For more information about Earls Restaurant Group please visit earls.ca.

World’s largest barbecue concept celebrates opening of its first location in Ottawa

Dallas, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The world’s largest barbecue concept recently opened its new and highly anticipated restaurant in Ottawa, bringing even more of the brand’s Legit. Texas. Barbecue. ™ to The Great White North.

Last month, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit opened its doors in Canada’s capital city and was met with overwhelming support from locals and barbecue lovers alike. As part of its Canadian expansion initiative, the Ottawa restaurant is now the brand’s fifth location in the country.

“We wanted to open a Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Ontario because we’re passionate about barbecuing at home and want to share it with our great community,” said Owners/Operators Zubair Khatri and Farzana Khatri. “There is a saying, ‘Think Local, Act Global,’ and that inspired us to serve the best barbecue in the world in our nation’s capital. Of course, we were attracted to the business model of Dickey’s, which makes us even more excited to open this franchise.”

Dickey’s newest location follows the success of multiple store openings after its Canadian debut in April of 2022.

“I was excited to help open the first Dickey’s restaurant in Ottawa and was amazed to see guests line up on opening day despite the cold weather,” said Mansoor Saeed, Dickey’s country manager for the MENA and APAC region. “Zubair and Farzana truly worked hard leading up to the opening and have proven to be outstanding ambassadors of our brand and our true barbecue smokin’ spirit. We’re proud to have them as part of the Dickey’s family.”

With its latest addition, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit continues to move Texas-style barbecue into the international market. In addition to its expansion across Canada, Dickey’s can also be found in Botswana, Brazil, Egypt, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

“We are all optimistic about the brand and will continue to take care of the small matters as we learn daily about the nuances of our Canadian guests,” said Jim Perkins, Dickey’s Executive Vice President of International Development and Support. “We’re just getting started in Ontario, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

Toronto, ON  (Mar. 20, 2023) -  St. Louis Bar & Grill officially opens its newest location in Edmonton in Jagare Ridge today at 11AM at 14222, 28 Ave SW to serve up ‘Devilishly Good’ times, including awarding the first 50 guests with St. Louis’ famous wings.

The opening is part of St. Louis’ continued expansion, marking its third location in Edmonton where fans have been flocking to locations in St. Albert and Sherwood Park over the past two years. 

“We’re becoming part of game day traditions for thousands of Edmontonians and my partners and I are excited to welcome guests in Jagare Ridge to enjoy a devilishly good time with friends, neighbours, and our friendly staff,” said local St. Louis restaurant owner, Talwinder Gill. 

Over the last 30 years, the proudly Canadian restaurant chain has built a reputation for its famous wings, signature fries, tasty Garlic Dill Sauce, and other crave-able eats such as ribs, burgers, and salads. Across Canada, St. Louis has also become a go-to destination for sports fans to cheer on their favourite team and is known for its friendly service, and warm atmosphere.

St. Louis’ newest Edmonton location has over 2500 sq. ft. of comfortable dining, and include an inviting, well-appointed bar with enough screens throughout the space to keep the Oilers and Elks fans happy as well as a 500 sq. foot patio for those summer months.

The opening marks the chain’s 5th location in Western Canada, with plans of continued expansion in B.C. and Alberta throughout 2023. 

World Famous Wings St. Louis serves up more than 2.2 million pounds of its famous wings each year. The recipe and process behind making them is a trade secret. St. Louis offers 29 different mouthwatering wing flavours, including its top-selling Medium Dry Rub, as well as Louis ‘92, Buffalo Ranch, and more unique options like Mississippi Honey BBQ, Garlic Parm, and General Tao’s.