On October 2 and 3, the largest fair of Albanian traders abroad, “Global Albanian Gastronomy Festival”, was held in Berlin. The inauguration of this fair was a grand event, which attracted more than 1000 visitors and exhibitors, bringing together Albanians from all over the world and gastronomes from all over the world to show in Germany, in the heart of Europe, the cultural and economic potential of Albanians.

As the 10th anniversary of “Open Balkan” is expected in Berlin, 110 exhibiting companies from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro showed that they are ready for the European market with their quality products and services. Under the motto “Where Tradition meets Trade”, GAG Festival will be a two-day event, where in addition to the trade fair, there will be 50 panelists, 10 “cooking shows”, a gala evening and an award ceremony.

The inauguration was honored with the presence of important state political figures, such as: Mrs. Vjosa Osmani, President of the Republic of Kosovo; Mr. Florian Hauer, Permanent Secretary for Federal and European Affairs in the State of Berlin; Mr. Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania; Mr. Izet Mejhiti, Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia; mrs. Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Republic of Albania.

Minister Denaj called on successful Albanian gastronomes all over the world to return to invest in Albania, where, in addition to fiscal incentives in the agritourism sector, the “Mountain Package” is expected to be presented very soon by the Prime Minister, dedicated to investments in certain areas of Albania.

This fair not only promoted Albanian cuisine, but also turned Berlin into a center of Albanian culture and traditions for a day, making it speak Albanian. The festival is expected to be an annual event, as a great opportunity to celebrate our identity on an international stage.

Regarding the holding of the Albanian gastronomy fair in Berlin, the Albanian embassy in Germany also reacted, which announced through a post on Instagram that the fair will be an annual tradition to promote the cultural and economic potential of Albanians.

Statement of the Albanian embassy in Berlin:

The first edition of the two-day Global Albanian Gastronomy Festival in Berlin, the largest Albanian gastronomy fair abroad, was successfully concluded, which included the trade fair, presentations, inspiring discussions, promotions and delicious tastings of our traditional foods.

The quality of Albanian products and services was best revealed through the participation of 110 companies from all regions and the Albanian diaspora, where producers, businesses and agribusiness proudly presented Albanian products on the global table.

This comprehensive festival was finalized with a gala evening, where awards were given to successful Albanian gastronomes all over the world. In the three award categories “Athanas”, “Mother’s Hands” and “Life Achievements” there were 11 gastronomes who were evaluated, among them: Mr. Bruno Selimaj, Mr. Ekrem Bardha, Mr. Xelil Musa, Mr. Ilir Seferi, Mr. Dritan Alsela, Mr. Altin Prenga.

The three main messages of the festival were:

• Albanian companies are ready for the European market and have invested both in increasing safety and quality of products. Strengthening the “Made in Albania” or “Made in Kosovo” brands requires a joint comprehensive effort.
• Successful Albanian restaurateurs and entrepreneurs were invited to return and invest in their country, where a set of fiscal incentives and subsidy programs were presented. The goal is to bring not only capital, but also “know-how”, their knowledge to the country.
• In 2024, we must proudly say that we are Albanians, open as many restaurants based on Albanian cuisine and show it to the world. For example, a first dish that could be introduced in many Italian-Albanian restaurants is Arbëresh pasta, as a link between the two countries.  This would promote not only the preservation of culinary traditions, but also make people curious to find out where Arbëresh are and what their history is.

The Global Albanian Gastronomy Festival will be an annual tradition which will promote the cultural and economic potential of Albanians on every international stage.