Macedonia has a long-lasting tradition in wine making. A fine testament to that are the large, bronze wine-storing vessels called krateri, as well as the ornate drinking cups that have been discovered in archeological sites throughout the country. There are also many local legends about priests who have tended village festivals and drank the best wine offered by the wealthy households. Macedonia’s tradition as a wine-making country started to reach connoisseurs around the world recently, after prominent domestic companies began to bottle, brand and export their best vintage. Tikves Winery is one of the wineries to “blame” for the publicity Macedonian wine gained around the world. The company is the oldest and largest net exporter of wine from Macedonia and it is our pleasure that we will serve their vintage at the Paris Business Forum.
Besides wine, cheese has also been produced in Macedonia for centuries. The territory of the country is covered in hills and mountains. In fact, 2/3 of the 25,000 square kilometers are mountains- an ideal geography for the pastoral life of rural Macedonia. The palette of milk products that are made in Macedonia is wide: sirenje or white cheese, kashkaval or yellow cheese, urda or cottage cheese, mashtenica or sour cream, kajmak or skim cheese and more. The most prominent producer of dairy products in Macedonia is biMilk, located in Bitola, which sources milk from farmers located in pristine environments across the country. Those attending the Business Forum in Paris will have a chance to taste pure white cheese from Macedonia made by biMilk.
Ajvar is a spread made of red peppers and eggplants that goes best white cheese. The product is so delicious that today Ajvar is sold allover the world. However, the best Ajvar is made in Macedonia and the best producer is the Skopje-based company MAMA’s, which sources its peppers from Strumica- the best pepper-growing region, probably in all of Europe. MAMA’s founders went around Macedonia writing down hundreds of recipes. After making every single recipe, they picked the best and improved it to offer the most delicious Ajvar in the world. Guests of the Business Forum in Paris will have the opportunity to taste MAMA’s Ajvar.
The Business Forum in Paris is coming on June 26. We are happy that we have managed to get the attention of renowned professionals from France, Macedonia and other European countries, who will give their insights on how Macedonia can attract foreign investors and expand trade with countries in Europe. The Forum is a great event for Macedonians from around Europe to meet, network and cooperate. We invite you to have a look at the event’s list of speakers and agenda and to register and be part of the Forum.