We know Estonia
21.1.2025 | Estonia

Estonian food represented in Berlin

Text Susanna Poikela
Photos Liilit Kirss

Estonian food represented in Berlin

 

For the 30th time, the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce will take part in the world’s largest food and agricultural fair, Grüne Woche, which will take place in Berlin on January 17 to 26 this year. At the fair, exhibitors from around the world will showcase their products and discuss current issues such as climate protection, the circular economy and sustainable land use. In addition, the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), which will be attended by more than 70 agriculture ministers, will take place as part of the fair.

The focus of the Estonian delegation at this year’s fair will be on food authenticity and honey DNA testing, which is becoming an increasingly important tool in the fight against adulterated honey. On the opening day of the fair, the Estonian Minister of Regional Development and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, and representatives of Estonian and German beekeepers discussed possible obstacles that could slow down the official and widespread introduction of the test.

Estonian beekeepers were represented by Mario Kalver, Sander Sulane and Mart Kullamaa from OÜ Muhe Mesi, which developed the test in cooperation with Celvia Medical Laboratory. According to Mr Kullamaa, the meeting was very necessary and successful: “At first we were nervous that the president of the largest German beekeepers’ association, who has so far been sceptical about our test, might criticise us severely. Fortunately, the meeting went well and we invited them to Estonia to visit our laboratory.”

The meeting sparked interest among German beekeepers, as an analysis by the Celvia laboratory last year showed that up to 80% of the honey sold in German shops was not genuine.

 

 

Grüne Woche brings visibility to small countries 

Estonia’s participation in Grüne Woche is very important as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate Estonian products and nature on the international stage. Kerli Ats, President of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, said: “Estonia’s presence is important because all our neighbours will be represented at the fair. The event is an important opportunity for small countries to show their country and its products.”

Several Estonian companies are participating this year, including Linnamäe Lihatööstus, Saaremaa Piimatööstus, Saidafarm, Farmi Piimatööstus, Õun Drinks, DGM Shipping, Orkla, Rõngu Pagar, Mahetark, Rõngu Mahl, Salvest, Tartu Mill, Eesti Pagar, Black Garlic, Agrone, Naat ja Naeris, Minna Marmelaad, Artisan Honey, Balsnack, Raw Edge, Liviko, Moe, Delikatess Food, Põldotsa Talu and Tohi Distillery.

 

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Estonian agriculture Estonian food Estonian honey Estonian producers events Grüne Woche

7.2.2025 | Estonia

Retail trade fell by 3 per cent in 2024

Retail trade fell by 3 per cent in 2024

Retail trade enterprises in Estonia saw a decline last year, with total turnover reaching 10.4 billion euros—down 3 per … Read more

6.2.2025 | Estonia

International School of Tallinn opens in Ülemiste

International School of Tallinn opens in Ülemiste

The newly completed Education Quarter in Ülemiste City has welcomed its first major tenant—the International School of Tallinn. The … Read more

2.2.2025 | Estonia

Construction Prices Rise by 1.6% in 2024

Construction Prices Rise by 1.6% in 2024

In 2024, the Construction Price Index increased by 1.6 per cent compared to the average of 2023, according to … Read more

28.1.2025 | Estonia

Business festival sTARTUp Day kicks off tomorrow 

Business festival sTARTUp Day kicks off tomorrow 

From January 29 to 31, Tartu will host sTARTUp Day 2025, a business festival that brings together startup founders, … Read more

28.1.2025 | Estonia

Tallink Star returns to serve a new route

Tallink Star returns to serve a new route

Tallink Star will return to Estonia and begin operations on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route from February 9. Having been chartered … Read more

26.1.2025 | Estonia

Estonia’s Population Declines in 2024

Estonia’s Population Declines in 2024

According to preliminary data from Statistics Estonia, Estonia’s population on January 1, 2025, stood at 1,369,285, marking a decrease … Read more

23.1.2025 | Estonia

Compound names gain popularity in Estonia

Compound names gain popularity in Estonia

The popularity of compound names has risen significantly in Estonia since the country regained independence. In recent decades, nearly … Read more

22.1.2025 | Estonia

Estonia opens homes for displaced foster families in Ukraine

Estonia opens homes for displaced foster families in Ukraine

Estonia has opened two family-style small group homes in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, to support foster families displaced by the war. … Read more