2,846 exhibitors from 43 countries (compared with 2,709 from 33 nations last year) lend ProWein 2002, from 24 to 26 March, the strongest international flavour in the event's nine-year history.

The major traditional wine-growing nations in Europe showcased alongside trendsetters from overseas and newcomers from eastern Europe.

Almost every growing area worldwide was represented by a joint presentation, individual producers or importers.

As has now become a tradition, the biggest exhibitor contingents was from Germany (821 companies/17,183 sq. m.), Italy (783/6,342 sq. m.), France (499/3,861 sq. m.), Austria (179/1,358 sq. m.) and Spain (166/2,153 sq. m.).

Horst Klosterkemper, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, sums up success so far: "What pleases us even more than the quantity improvements is that the quality of this year's ProWein exhibit range is truly first-class. No other show worldwide offers such a wide range of wines, sparkling wines and spirits. ProWein spans almost the full spectrum. From 24 to 26 March, Düsseldorf was the world capital for wine and spirits".