Bulgarian rakia targets the world market

There is an increase in demand for craft drinks in the high alcoholic drinks market. Therefore, Bulgaria has huge opportunities to make a breakthrough in the world, said specialists at the global contest “Spirit Selection”, hosted by Bulgaria’s second largest city of Plovdiv.

The traditional Bulgarian rakia (brandy made by different fruits including grapes, apricots, plums and others), has all the qualities to be appreciated all over the world, but more marketing strategies are needed.

Thierry Haynes, Director of SPIRITS SELECTION: Authenticity is one of the key words in the high-alcohol industry at the moment. And I think you have that quality. People today look for products with a perception for where they are produced.

There are 47 Bulgarian samples among 1,300 drinks presented in the competition. The awards will be announced on September 6th.

Meglena Mihova, representative of the competition for Bulgaria: We have already organised a presentation at the end of September in Brussels with international experts and in the biggest exhibition in Benelux, where Bulgarian producers will be presented.

Thtis is the second time Plovdiv hosts the international contest for drinks, which is part of the world contest held in Brussels. The previous event was in 2016.

Bodea Avo, Presenter of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: We organised a prestigious contest, but it was only for wine. We have developed very good connections with Plovdiv Municipality.

Bulgaria enetered a record number of participants in this edition. In previous years, there were a number of Bulgarian beverages that won awards, including gold medal winners.