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Tarpa Manufaktúra – Tradition and trend from North Hungary

Tarpa was first documented for its fruits in a chronicle dating from as long ago as 1755. The village in the province of Szatmár on the banks of the river Tisza has a long-standing tradition in fruit processing and its fruit purées, in particular, are legendary. Over time, the fruit-processing began to disappear and the old recipes were quickly forgotten. The manufacturing company Tarpa Manufaktúra was established in 1996 against this background with the aim of re-instating the local culinary tradition, using regional raw materials. Today, the top quality product range includes about 40 organically certified products which are sold in many EU countries: fruit purées made from damson, sour cherry, apricot and quince, acacia honey and nuts, walnut oil, bell peppers and chilli and hearty vegetable products and fruit brandies.

The company only uses freshly harvested fruit based on traditional varieties, some of which are collected in the wild. Fruits are selected, washed, chopped and stirred in copper vessels to the required consistency with many village residents being engaged in these operations. Walnuts are shelled and packaged or pressed to make food oils. The acacia honey extracted by local organic beekeepers is used to flavour the fruit purées and packaged in small jars, either pure or with walnuts. In summer, freshly harvested bell peppers and aubergines are charcoal-grilled and processed to make Sakuska, a rustic spread for bread. All of the products are labelled and carefully packaged by hand. This enables the village to preserve its culinary traditions and helps to secure the existence of the region’s numerous small-scale farmers.

Classified as a First Class Distillery 2015, the Hungarian fruit processors were awarded gold for Apricot, silver for Apple Jonathan, Quince and Wild Plum, as well as bronze for Cherry Sour.

Franz Tinnauer: Styrian superstar

The fruit distillery is a traditional, certified family business run by Franz Tinnauer along with his daughter, Monika. Margarete is the heart and soul of the residential buildings which nestle on the beautiful Mount Gamlitzberg. Following the motto “TASTEFUL. STYRIAN. STRONG”, distillation takes place entirely from the fruit itself and exclusively in a double distillation procedure to make the richest, fruit-concentrated distillates. In addition, only regional fruit varieties are processed, which mostly come from their own land – quality is, of course, the most important factor. As it is the understanding in the business that alcohol is a carrier for all aromas, all fine distillates contain over 40% alcohol by volume.

The high-proof distillate of approx. 80% alcohol by volume is stored for at least one year, and then there are five graduation levels: Classic – aromatic and very fruity as a clear distillate, at least one year old, at least 42% alcohol by volume; Reserve – at least two years old, at least 50% alcohol by volume; Reserve Zigarrenbrand cigar brandy – at least three years in French oak barrels, at least 50% alcohol by volume; Grand Reserve – special vintages, clear brandies, at least three years matured, cigar brandies stored in barrels at least five years, usually above 60% alcohol by volume. In the product range, which also includes liqueurs and spirits, there is something for every taste, be it mild, sweet or very strong.

The World Class Distillery 2022 OBB (Distillery of the Year – Silver) received double gold for Sauvignon Tresterbrand Reserve (marc brandy) and Zwetschken Zigarrenbrand Reserve (damson cigar brandy) (World Spirits Award 2022 & Spirit of the Year 2022), gold for Zwetschkenbrand (damson brandy), Roter Williamsbirnenbrand (pear brandy), Birnenquittenbrand Reserve (pear quince brandy) and Edelbitter ZITA, and silver for Wacholder Geist (juniper spirit).

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

MBG International Premium Brands – Brands with added value

“We Love Liquids.” This slogan has accompanied MBG on its worldwide path of success since it was founded in 1993 under the name P.O.S. Marketing + Vertrieb GmbH: Strong brands have been established around the world in nearly 60 countries, with innovative own brands, renowned retail brands, great ideas and a lot of energy. With over 250 employees, the MBG Group currently generates over € 200 million and, every year, more than a million hectolitres are produced. The portfolio in Germany includes 12 own brands and 6 retail brands (from non-alcoholic drinks to low proof drinks to wines & spirits) for 90,000 customers.

“Our recipe for successful brands is the mixture of passion, conviction and knowledge of the market. If all goes well, names and products become new worlds which consumers love. Success is not always predictable, which means that courage is needed above all. The right moment has to be found and hard work put in, just like with a hit single: some are one hit wonders while others become classics.” Little can be added to this definition from Managing Director Andreas W. Herb. From the MBG Group headquarters in Paderborn, a great deal of expertise makes successful brands, tailored to the respective target group and the market segment. Many brands that are well known on shop shelves and in the gastronomy sector have played a role in the history of the company.

Participation in the World Spirits Award yielded gold for Dos Mas Nasty Nuts Shot.