Exhibitors at the "Wine Vision" fair: Open Balkan should grow and last

Exhibitors at the third Wine Vision of the Open Balkan fair, which opened yesterday in Belgrade, are unanimous in their belief that the Open Balkan initiative is beneficial. They say it simplifies business and cooperation, and they hope it will continue.

"This is a regional event, and the benefits are immense. Our products are more accessible to buyers who can familiarize themselves with wines not only from North Macedonia but also from the entire region," said Jani Bogeski from the Bovin winery in North Macedonia.

Regarding the Open Balkan as an initiative, Bogeski notes that it is an ongoing process that needs to further ease administrative procedures, but that progress is already being felt.

One of the agreements under the Open Balkan initiative regulates free access to the labor market in all three participating countries, however, Bogeski points out that there is a growing shortage of workers.

"Let’s hope for the best. I sincerely hope the initiative will continue to develop because the idea was good, and its implementation has been even better," he emphasized.

Kevin Gaci, from the Melesin distillery in Albania, which is participating in the Wine Vision of the Open Balkan fair for the first time, believes the initiative should grow and is confident it will.

"There are many participants here, and you can communicate with different distilleries, sellers, consumers, and various types of buyers from many countries simultaneously, which is very beneficial for us. The initiative definitely needs to expand because the Balkans is a large region made up of small countries, but if we work together, it is something worth exploring," Gaci said.

He notes that the Open Balkan makes it easier to find labor, but finding sellers and buyers remains challenging.

"Since we are new to the Balkan market, the most important thing for us is for the customer to try the product and for us to see if they like it. We need more sellers. That is the tricky part of this business," Gaci explained.

Tijana Radovanovic from the Radovanovic winery said they are participating in the fair for the third time as producers and are very satisfied because the event allows them to establish connections with domestic and international distributors.

"For those looking to export wine outside of Serbia, I believe it is possible after this fair. You really meet a lot of new people here. It is very well organized, on a European and global level, and I truly hope it will continue," Radovanovic said.

She also believes the agreements reached under the Open Balkan initiative, including the one on work permits, facilitate collaboration.

"In terms of the labor market, many colleagues have already established relationships, and a significant number of people from abroad are working in Serbia, especially in the viticulture sector, where there is always a need for new workers," Tijana Radovanovic noted.