Through a master class and an authentic showcase, Serbian distilleries successfully presented the tradition, quality, and export potential of domestic distillates

Serbian distilleries achieved notable success at ProWein 2026, one of the most prestigious international events in the wine and spirits industry, held from March 15 to 17 in Düsseldorf.

During the three-day event, Serbia’s national pavilion attracted significant interest from the international professional community, while domestic companies held more than 100 business meetings with potential partners, distributors, and importers.

Organized with the support of the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS), the country was represented by six renowned distilleries: Stara Sokolova, Tzuga, Destilerija Blagojević, Gorda, Šurlan and Podrum Pevac. Their products, authentic fruit rakijas and liqueurs, stood out for their quality, traditional production methods, and clearly defined geographical origin, further strengthening Serbia’s position as a serious producer of premium distillates.

A highlight of the program was the professional masterclass “Serbian Rakija Connecting People,” held on March 17, the only event dedicated exclusively to this category of beverages. The masterclass was led by Dr. Ivan Urošević, an international spirits judge and Vice President of the Serbian Rakija Producers Association. Through a guided tasting and presentation, participants were introduced to the blend of tradition, expertise, and modern market potential of Serbian rakija.

The importance of this presentation was further emphasized by the fact that the tradition of plum brandy (slivovitz) production has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, confirming its cultural and historical value on a global level.

Participation at ProWein once again demonstrated that Serbian rakija has a growing export potential and is successfully finding its way to demanding international markets. The contacts made and the strong interest from partners point to continued growth and the strengthening of Serbia’s position in the premium segment of the global spirits industry.

Photo: Development Agency of Serbia (RAS)