London Wine Fair (LWF) has transferred ownership from Hemming Group to Vindustrious, a new company created by LWF event director Hannah Tovey. 

Vindustrious will be led by Tovey and retain all five members of the LWF team, ensuring continuity in the build-up to the 2026 event. 

The team includes Kate Stretton, Mara Veith, Holly Boatright-Wilson, Kasie-Ella Dixon and Tovey. Mark Gander also continues as sales manager for Signature Serve, the spirits section of the show first launched in 2025. 

LWF said that the “landmark agreement” underscores the team’s commitment to the future of the UK drinks industry. 

Tovey has run the event since 2017, steering it through its first fully digital edition during the pandemic, followed by a hybrid event. 

A drinks industry professional, Tovey also launched Imbibe Magazine, imbibe.com and the spin-off Imbibe Live Exhibition. 

To acquire LWF, Tovey secured total investment from private lead investor Perrin & Partners. She was also supported by a handful of close and longstanding suppliers to the event. 

The investment will offset costs generated in the lead-up to the 2026 fair, as well as drive growth for the event. 

At present, reservations and prospects for the 2026 show are already 14% ahead year over year. 

Nick Service, chair of Hemming Group and Bill Butler, group MD of Hemming Group, said: “We are very pleased that London Wine Fair will continue in Hannah Tovey’s capable and experienced hands, backed by the drinks trade. We wish Hannah and her team the greatest of success with the London Wine Fair and we look forward to seeing the event go from strength to strength under her leadership.”   

Tovey added: “The management buyout of London Wine Fair marks an important – and exciting – milestone in the history of the event.  The change in ownership ensures the event remains at the heart of the UK drinks industry, providing an unrivalled platform for business, debate, education and networking.”