The Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT) has reported a 101% turnout at its Spring Manchester event, compared to expected numbers. 

Within this, 73% of those that pre-registered showed up, boosted by a 28% walk-in rate, bringing the total to over 100%. 

At the London tasting, the conversion rate from pre-registered attendees to turn-ups was lower at 51.8%, reflecting an ongoing issue of no-shows within the trade. 

Nonetheless, a walk-in rate of 24.8% brought the overall turnout to 76.8% of what was expected. 

Elsewhere, in a breakdown of the event, SITT noted that over half of all attendees were independent wine merchants (52%). 

18.5% came from restaurants, pubs, hotels and bars; 11% from wholesalers or cash and carry; 9.5% from agents, importers or distributors; 4.5% from online direct merchants; and 4.5% from other categories, including press or educators. 

51% of those in attendance also held final decision-making capacities in their place of business, while 41.8% self-reported as having recommending influence. 

Visitors said that they had broad sourcing interests, with repeated mentions of countries including France, Spain, Portugal and China, as well as emerging regions elsewhere. 

The styles of wine in demand were also varied, with sparkling wines, table wines, lighter styles and niche formats all mentioned. 

In analysis of how they utilised the event, attendees noted that meeting planning was mixed, but the majority did not pre-book meetings, favouring open browsing and opportunistic discussions instead. 

Participants particularly praised the Châteauneuf-du-Pape workshop hosted by Matt Walls, which provided a deeper understanding of the Rhône appellation. 

One attendee noted that SITT was “a good opportunity to experience new potential suppliers and excellent wines, especially from lesser-known regions.”  

Meanwhile, another said: “I love the event. The first SITT we went to as a business allowed us to find all our importers before we opened our merchants in 2024. One day, when we’re big enough, I’d like to exhibit as an importer.”