‘Flavours of Sri Lanka’ event in Berlin showcases Lankan organic agriculture to European market

Lankan Embassy in Berlin recently played host to a prestigious event that provided a unique platform for ten Sri Lankan companies to showcase their organic agriculture products with export potential. The event, named ‘Flavours of Sri Lanka,’ aimed to connect these companies with potential buyers and investors in Europe, fostering international trade relations and highlighting the organic agriculture industry’s growth in Sri Lanka.

Implemented as part of the ‘Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Organic Agriculture Sector’ Programme, this initiative was a joint effort by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Collaboration between GIZ Sri Lanka, The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board brought this event to life.

The ten Sri Lankan organic products showcased at the event ranged from Banana blossom, Coconuts, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Pepper, Jackfruit, Mango, Blooming Tea, Immunity Booster Drink to Moringa Powder. European buyers and investors had the opportunity to explore and sample these products, engaging in discussions and forming valuable business connections with the respective companies. To enhance the atmosphere, fusion dishes made from these organic products were served, bringing the flavors and uniqueness of Sri Lankan agriculture to life for the audience.

Notable speakers at the event included Renate Kuenast, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the States of South Asia of Deutsche Bundestag and Former Federal Minister of Consumer Protection, Food, and Agriculture of Germany; Her Excellency Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany, Varuni Muthukumaran; Tomasz May, International Officer responsible for Sri Lanka from the European Commission; and Randa Kourieh, the Head of GIZ Berlin. Additionally, senior Sri Lankan government officials representing the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, The Sri Lanka Standards Institute, The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board, and the Department of Agriculture were in attendance as part of an International Study Tour funded through the ‘Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Organic Agriculture Sector’ Programme co-financed by the EU and BMZ.