“The Bolivian wineries have achieved a very high quality as an end product. The possibility of Bolivian wines establishing themselves on the European market is already a reality,” he assured, referring to this first meeting with professional tasters and owners of wine bars based in Europe.
The diplomat explained that the fact that European companies “start importing our wine is an unmissable commercial signal that the European market is looking for the added value that Bolivia knows how to offer it.”
Vilaseca said that as part of its mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensured that five Bolivian laboratories were accredited and recognized as part of the number six list of competent organizations for certification in third countries before the European Union (EU).
He noted that this result allows them to certify the export quality of Bolivian spirits and such a condition opens the doors of Europe to high-altitude wine from the Altiplanic country as the product is promoted in the old continent.
This Thursday’s promotional evening brings together experienced sommeliers from renowned Michelin-star restaurants, winemakers such as the influential Eric Boshman, professional tasters, business people and diplomats from the trading region.
According to 2021 statistics from the International Organization of Vine and Wine, consumption of this spirit exceeds 114 million hectoliters in the EU, which is 48 percent of global alcohol consumption.
Three EU countries, Portugal, France and Italy, occupy the top three places on this indicator on a global scale, followed by Germany and Spain in fifth place.
On May 18, about seven thousand bottles of wine from six different Bolivian wineries arrived at the port of Antwerp in Belgium after their exportable quality was confirmed, the Foreign Ministry reported at the time.
The spirits were reportedly purchased from a Belgian company and winery that has an experienced Bolivian winemaker.
This first export allows participation in competitions such as the Superior Taste Award, specialized in sensory evaluation and certification of gourmet products.
In March 2023, Bolivian wine took first place in the International Tasting Competition sponsored by the World Trade Organization.
It was also awarded eleven gold and four silver medals at the Bacchus International Wine Competition in Madrid in April this year for its quality and identity.
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