Rakija Festival Banja Luka

Ulric Nijs
Director of Spirits Selection by CMB
Introduction:
Rakija, as part of our rich cultural tradition, holds a special place in everyday life and celebrations across the Balkans. More than just a drink, it is a symbol of togetherness, hospitality, and heritage passed down through generations. Although deeply rooted in our history, rakija today has an increasing chance to establish itself on the global market, thanks to its distinctive quality and authenticity.
In this article, Ulric Nijs, director of “Spirits Selection by CMB,” who accepted the invitation and attended the “Rakije Srpske” festival, writes about the current state of the rakija scene, its potential on the international stage, and where it might stand in the near future as a globally recognized product with the status of a premium brand.
Judging by our exceptionally well-awarded products that competed this year in this prestigious global competition held in Brussels, a bright future lies ahead for our rakija. For me, this article marks the beginning of rakija’s metamorphosis into what it is truly meant to become.
Branko Drljača

