Vinafrica-Wine and Exhibition Conference

Accra - In one month time Accra will host the second edition ever of VINAFRICA, the one and only international wine exhibition in Sub-Saharan Africa. From 9 to 12 of November the capital city of the West African country will be the buzzing location of a number of wine tastings, gala nights, cocktail party, workshops, classes and BtoB meetings. Vinafrica sets the ambitious goal of attracting exhibitors from all over the world and potential buyers from across the macro-region, making Ghana the hub of wine in West Africa. For the second time in a row the event is organized under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Ghana and Togo. Ambassador Giovanni Favilli, who is busy organizing the event told us today "we are more than aware that in Ghana and in the whole West Africa our wine and viticultural sector is almost unknown because our producers and wine operators are totally unaware of the great potential the West African market can offer to their products". Giovanni Favilli also stressed how much is rising the interest of a new African middle class on products labeled as "good quality ones", better if coming from our made in Italy. "We are the first wine producers in the world and we should aspire to be the first in Africa as well" said Favilli when was asked why is Italy sponsoring an international event on wine. "With Vinafrica we are giving a chance to our wine producers - he answered - to showcase their best wines and related products, their knowledge and their best practice, in order to meet new partners, open new markets to their wines and become active driver of the system-Italy. Last year's outcomes of Vinafrica were very encouraging, according to an embassy note. With 20 wineries Italy was the country best represented at the fair where Italian wines started to be appreciated in these latitudes. "This year we strongly believe we can do even better - concluded the ambassador who eventually added "the Italian wineries wishing to join Vinafrica will also be invited to a further tasting evening, exclusively reserved for them, to be held at the residence of the Italian Embassy". Vinafrica is a 4 days event with a prelude that strats under the theme "Feed the Planet with Good Food & Wine", an entertainment filled welcome reception with a mini food and wine Expo by country in a stunning location on the seaside. Each participating nation will showcase its own products in a food & wine bazaar as an intro to cuisines from their respective countries paired with their wines. The backdrop will be the ocean along the Gulf of Guinea with live band performances. The second day, according to the organizer, Vanessa Koko Djaba, will be a "down to business" in a full trade & exhibition day totally dedicated to trade representatives as importers, buyers, hotel, restaurant, where the public with keen interest in Wines will be invited to visit the stands of exhibitors and interact and taste their products. The third day is going to be a Wine 2 Wine business day, a full day of various seminars and presentations by customs & excise, food & drug State Agencies across Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States), to unravel the intricacies of exporting goods into West Africa; the bureaucratic requirements, dealing with credit insurance, mode of payments, bank operations, meet & trade with potential buyers and importers and training programs for staff. Last but not least will be the fourth day with a gala dinner, a fun-filled curated dining experience with 3 Michelin starred chefs from South Africa, Italy and France bringing a touch of their culinary skills and pairing sumptuous dishes with wines from the exhibitors.