The Agreement on expanded cooperation and partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan was signed back in December 2015, which covers 29 areas, creates the basis for further deepening of trade and economic cooperation, including the field of agriculture. And today, the participants of the Mission have confirmed that cooperation in the field of agriculture still occupies an important place on the agenda of Kazakhstan and the EU.

The Editorial Board of our website continues to introduce you with the interesting participants of business meetings in Astana. Katsaros Nicholaos is a well-known winemaker and producer of the alcoholic beverages in Greece. His winery “Katsaros” is located in the picturesque region of Thessaly in the North-East part of the country, where the unique climate and soil conditions contribute to the production of high-quality wines. Katsaros produces a wide range of wines, such as: red, white and pink. In an interview for our publication, Nicholas shared his plans to enter the Kazakh market and talked about his experience of international cooperation.

QAZAQ CULTURE: In your opinion, which varieties of Greek grapes could be highly sought in the Kazakh market? And, do you plan to implement them in Kazakhstan?

Katsaros Nikolaos: We are here to get into your market. We love Kazakhstan. I like the people, who live here. Nowadays, we cooperate with 39 countries, and Kazakhstan should become the 40th. I would like to find out which varieties of Greek grapes could be highly sought in the Kazakh market. So, actually, we are here to find any better sort for the “Tsipouro” and of course, to learn the market in your country.

QAZAQ CULTURE: Do you have any experience of cooperation with wine companies outside Greece?

Katsaros Nikolaos: My experience includes exporting the wines and spirits to 39 countries of the world. For example: from China to Australia, the USA to Singapore. At present, we are staying here, because we want our wines to be represented in Kazakhstan as well. Besides that, we have a very large area in the region, where the grapes grow.

QAZAQ CULTURE: How do you plan to promote the Greek wines and spirits at the Kazakh market, taking into account the cultural characteristics and consumer preferences?

Katsaros Nikolaos: We have so many events in the restaurants and market, but also, we offer the wine to people who know the giant market. But most importantly, we need to understand what is important for the consumers here. Besides that, we have the other spirits as well, which can be drunk daily, both the undiluted and as part of the cocktails. My generation has been producing the wines and strong alcoholic spirits over 170 years. My grandfather had created this business, and he was an inventor of one of the main wine products, including the “Tsipouro”. He had put a lot of efforts into making these drinks available and unique for the consumption, due to their high qualities and long-standing traditions. I am reviewing the possibility of exporting the “Tsipouro” to Kazakhstan, so as, I think that the local consumers may like it.

Dates of the event: May 29/30, 2024

Venue: Astana city, Interfood Astana, the EU Pavilion at EXPO, Mangilik El Avenue, 53/1