May 16, 2025 — London Wine Fair 2025 – which takes place next week – is set to be the most sustainably minded to date, with 36 exhibitors actively flagging sustainable products for visitors seeking a specifically “sustainable trail” at the show. The number of wines in cans has increased, mirroring the burgeoning market for lighter weight packaging. These include: Vinca, which will show its new 750ml aluminium bottle format, which weighs in at just 68g empty; The Canned Wine Company, which will show a larger range of the Copper Crew brand, including the new Rosė and Spritz varietals; and Villa Maria’s recently launched Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (200ml cans) will be shown on the Hatch Mansfield stand.
London Wine Fair is partnering with Bottle Up London – creators of an innovative plant-based reusable water bottle – for the first time this year. All visitors to the fair will be provided with their own Bottle Up London reusable bottle, which can be replenished at fill up points around the show.
The organisers are pleased to announce that Impact Focus is the official Sustainability Partner. Specialists in sustainability strategy and communication, the Impact Focus team will work alongside the LWF to shape the event’s sustainability practices and how it can lead the wider agenda. As part of the partnership, Impact Focus will be engaging with key stakeholders, including visitors and exhibitors, during and after the fair to help set meaningful change for future events. A sustainability focused post show survey will help shape future London Wine Fairs.
Impact Focus’ Founder, Rosie Davenport, said: “We are delighted to be the official Sustainability Partner of the London Wine Fair, which remains the standout event in the industry’s calendar for influential buyers and producers. The drinks industry has a unique opportunity to lead in sustainability with consumers, retail customers and investors increasingly backing brands with clear, well-communicated goals. We’re excited to be working with the LWF team, visitors, exhibitors and other stakeholders, and to be part of creating a more sustainable event and accelerating change across the industry.”
In addition, sessions featuring sustainable products, initiatives and education are attracting significant attention. The following five sustainable-themed sessions are taking place this year:
The Last Straw? Launching a Zero Waste Bar Future
Monday, 19th May, 10h30 to 11h30 Walk Up Tasting Theatre
Join the Porto Protocol, Sustainable Wine Solutions, the Sustainable Restaurant Association, and a leading zero-waste innovator for the official launch of the Zero Waste Bar Guide. Together, they will explore why reducing bar waste matters now more than ever, share practical solutions and ideas.
Organic winemaking in the face of climate change
Tuesday, 20th May, 12h00 to 12h45 Education Zone Theatre
Join José Luis Moreira da Silva,Chief Production Officer of Esporão for a tasting and talk about organic viticulture and winemaking in Portugal, whilst facing the challenges posed by the climate changes.
Crafted for Change: Agility & Sustainability in the Spirits Game
Tuesday, 20th May, 14h00 to 15h00 Signature Serve Theatre
As the spirits industry evolves, small brands are seizing the moment; moving faster, thinking greener, and connecting deeper. This panel, chaired by Liam Davy, Head of Bars, Hawksmoor, explores how nimble operations and sustainable values give emerging players a competitive edge, winning over bar owners, operators, and bartenders alike.
Circular Economy: Opportunities and Challenges
Wednesday, 21st May, 10h15 to 11h15, Centre Stage
This session will delve into the new UK policies to introduce a circular economy for packaging. The Collection and Packing Reforms include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Packaging Recovery Note Reform (PRNs) and plans for packaging reuse. Hosted by Miles Beale, CEO, WSTA and Freddie Joosten, Associate Director of Environmental Policy, WSTA.
Buying Sustainably – What It Means for Drinks Buyers
Wednesday, 21 May, 11h30 to 12h30, Centre Stage
This panel will shine a light on the practical implications of sustainability in sourcing. What are the most important elements to consider? How do you know what information to trust? What’s really important to your retailer and to your customer? Join Anne Bousquet, CEO, Domaine Bousquet; Barry Dick, MW BWS Bulk Sourcing & Sustainability Manager, Waitrose; Carolin Haas, Global Head of Sustainability Hillebrand Gori; Verity Sessions, Founder, Palate Bottle Shop on a panel chaired by Anne Jones, Director, Limestone & Jone, The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation.
The UK’s most sustainably minded buyers will also be celebrated this year; a new “Sustainable Buyer” category has been created for the London Wine Fair’s Wine Buyers Awards. There are now 14 Wine Buyers Awards, three of which are in the sustainable category: Small Business Sustainable Wine Buyer; Multiple Venue Sustainable Wine Buyer; and Sustainable Wine Buying Team. The winners will be announced at the show’s Centre Stage at 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.
The London Wine Fair will take place at Olympia from 19th to 21st May.
