ICC Sydney’s recovery returns its Orange wine region purchasing to pre-COVID levels

29 Sep 2022

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, returns to the city of Orange in Central West New South Wales (NSW) this week to celebrate the region’s thriving wine industry and strengthen its connection to its network of producers as domestic business and its local supply chain activities return to pre-COVID levels.

ICC Sydney CEO & ASM Global Director, Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said with attendance at domestic events back to pre-COVID levels and a healthy pipeline of international events on the horizon, Orange would continue to benefit from ICC Sydney’s commitment to support local producers.

Tom Ward of Swinging Bridge Wines, and President of the Orange Region Vignerons Association (ORVA), praised ICC Sydney for its dedication to the region and said it has cemented itself as a cellar door to the world.

“High levels of business activity at ICC Sydney are contributing to the economic recovery of Sydney as well as regional areas, including Orange.

“Orange is a major wine supplier to ICC Sydney with wines from the region making up one quarter of our list of 100% NSW wine list, and the venue ordering as many as 25,000 bottles of premium Orange wine per year,” he said.

While in Orange, members from the venue team will meet with existing partners and prospective local vignerons to sample new products alongside sponsoring the ‘Best Exhibitor’ category of the 2022 Orange Wine Show Awards, which recognises the achievements of the region’s winemakers.

Mr Donaghy said the trip was an excellent opportunity for the venue team to strengthen ties with its network that is producing award winning wine and witness first hand the benefits that its food and wine procurement strategy is creating in the region following the return of major events.

“Our commitment to offer a 100% NSW wine list, as well as fresh produce from local farmers, enriches the dining experience of our clients and delegates.

“ICC Sydney has purchased more than 100,000 bottles of premium wine from the Orange region since opening in December 2016 and the team is committed to continued investment in the quality and diversity of wine from the Orange region,” Mr Donaghy said.

“The continued backing by ICC Sydney of regional NSW even throughout the recent tough times of the pandemic is an amazing tribute to the strength of the relationship. The continued support of ICC Sydney has allowed regions like Orange to showcase the best local product to visitors from around Australia and the world,” Mr Ward said.

William Wilson, ICC Sydney’s Sommelier and Food and Beverage Manager said that with events ramping back up at ICC Sydney, visitors had a renewed opportunity to taste the best of local, NSW drops.

“The entire Central West and Riverina regions join the more established Hunter region in their reputation for making wonderful wine. It is great to once again be able to support the wine producers of Orange and we look forward to celebrating the winners of this year’s Orange Wine Show. With strong numbers of banquets, awards events, conferences and end of year celebrations still to take place this year, event attendees will enjoy Orange region’s cool climate styles that over deliver value and continue to be incredibly popular.

“The region is also at the forefront of sustainability with exceptional organic wines and is home to the first carbon neutral winemaker in Australia – Ross Hill Wines.

“Sampling the latest vintages, reconnecting with our partners and finding new opportunities is a fantastic opportunity that will ultimately enrich our event attendees’ experience at the venue,” Mr Wilson said.

ICC Sydney has sponsored the Best Exhibitor of Show accolade at the Orange Wine Awards for the fifth time – a category that was last won by Printhie Wines – one of the venue’s many local wine suppliers.

Nestled in the highlands of Orange, the Printhie Wines vineyard’s top drops are featured on ICC Sydney’s wine list including its gold medal winning Sauvignon Blanc and two sparkling wines under their Swift Label.

Winners of the 2022 Orange Wine Show will be announced today.

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