The Global Albanian Gastronomy Festival (GAGF), the largest international Albanian food festival, opened in Berlin, highlighting the country’s rich culinary heritage. Over 100 exhibitors, including 22 Albanian businesses, showcased fresh, authentic products under the “Made in Albania” label.

Why is it relevant: The festival serves as a unique platform for Albanian producers to connect with international buyers and promote Albania’s agricultural traditions. The event strengthens the connection between the Albanian diaspora and local businesses, particularly those involved in gastronomy. With over 20,000 Albanian-owned restaurants worldwide, the festival aims to create business opportunities and expand these products into international markets.

What was said: Prime Minister Edi Rama and other high-profile political figures attended the event, including Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Albanian Agriculture Minister Anila Denaj. Denaj emphasized the importance of supporting sustainable agrotourism, mentioning that tax incentives, such as a 6% VAT for agrotourism businesses, are boosting growth in this sector. She highlighted the government’s commitment to agrotourism, noting that it not only preserves local traditions but also creates jobs and supports farming families. Denaj stated, “Agrotourism keeps local human capital and generates employment, supporting an average of 22 families per unit.”

The festival also included workshops and cooking competitions, where top Albanian chefs showcased traditional recipes. Discussions centered on the potential for Albanian products to reach international markets, particularly in Europe. Businesses were encouraged to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment in agrotourism, and long-term partnerships.

Context: The Global Albanian Gastronomy Festival aims to strengthen ties between Albania, Kosovo, and the Albanian diaspora by showcasing high-quality agricultural products and culinary traditions. The festival also aligns with Albania’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development in its rural areas, which are heavily reliant on agriculture. As part of these initiatives, the government has implemented policies that support small businesses and incentivize organic farming and traditional production methods.

With Albania’s cuisine gaining attention for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and strong cultural roots, the festival represents a strategic opportunity for businesses to introduce “Made in Albania” products to global markets.