Punch Taverns is gearing its retailers up for Christmas with a series of regional trade shows.

Eight events are being held at sporting venues across the country this month to help Punch pubs towards a busy and profitable festive period.

Last year over 1,000 licensees attended the trade shows and the pub company is aiming to double the number of retailers it will be welcoming to this year’s shows.

Attendees will be greeted by a wide range of suppliers from all aspects of the trade – including Interbrew, Britvic, Pernod Ricard, Constellation, Coca Cola, Diageo and Brakes – and there will be several offers exclusive to the trade shows.

Category manager James Giles said: “These events are a fantastic opportunity for our retailers to experience new ideas and help develop their businesses. Meeting suppliers, mixing with other operators and seeing new products will maximise assistance in the build up to Christmas and beyond.

“This is part of our substantial business support package and is a wonderful opportunity for retailers to access information and advice about every aspect of running a pub – all in one place, on one day.”

Exhibitors include the major national brewers, along with several regional cask ale, spirits, wine, soft drinks, catering, and equipment suppliers. Each pub attending will receive two free bottles of vodka and many other supplier giveaways only available at the shows.

Bill Ganley, from the Prince Arthur, Burton, attended one of last year’s shows and said: “The products were just what we were looking for and the quality was fantastic. There were lots of products available through Punch that I wasn’t previously aware of, so it was a bit of an eye-opener and definitely worth making the trip.”

Punch Taverns is the UK’s second largest operator of leased and tenanted pubs with 8,200 outlets nationwide.

Trade shows have so far been held at:
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Brands Hatch, Kent
Haydock Park, Merseyside
Murrayfield stadium, Edinburgh

The next shows will be at:
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea – 17 October
Pride Park, Derby – 20 October
Villa Park, Birmingham – 25 October
Elland Road, Leeds – 31 October

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