The recent “SME & BSO Tour focused on Bio-/Organic Food and Wine” held in Madrid concluded with remarkable success, bringing together key stakeholders from the organic food and wine sectors. The study visit attracted 35 participants, comprising 25 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 10 business support organizations (BSOs) from Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. This initiative served as a valuable platform for fostering cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and market expansion.

The tour kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring welcoming speeches from ambassadors and high-level representatives from the participating countries. The dignitaries emphasized the importance of developing international trade networks, especially in the bio-/organic food and wine sectors, which are rapidly gaining momentum in global markets. They highlighted the potential of SMEs from Eastern Partnership countries to make a substantial impact through innovative, sustainable products that align with current market demands for organic goods.

The centerpiece of the study visit was the delegation’s participation in Organic Food Iberia, one of the leading trade shows in Southern Europe dedicated to organic products. Over the course of five days, the participants actively engaged in the event, attending industry talks, exhibitions, and networking sessions. Organic Food Iberia provided a unique opportunity for the delegation to present their products, meet potential buyers, and establish partnerships with key players in the organic sector.

The event also facilitated the exchange of best practices between SMEs, enabling participants to learn from each other’s experiences in navigating the organic market. This exchange not only fostered stronger regional ties but also created the foundation for future international collaborations. Companies from each country showcased a diverse range of organic and bio-certified products, including premium wines, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, all of which received positive feedback from the attending audience.

In addition to their participation in Organic Food Iberia, the delegation engaged in a series of side activities designed to deepen their understanding of the Spanish market and enhance their business operations. These activities included interactive training workshops focused on market entry strategies, compliance with EU organic certification standards, and best practices in logistics and distribution. The workshops provided the participants with valuable insights into how they could further improve their supply chains and product quality to meet the high standards of European markets.

The delegation also visited several key local stakeholders, including the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, IFEMA Madrid (the venue hosting Organic Food Iberia), Mercamadrid (the largest wholesale market in Spain), Auchan Retail, and Carrefour España. These visits offered the participants firsthand exposure to the operational models of successful retail and wholesale giants, giving them a deeper understanding of how to scale their businesses and access new markets.

The meetings with these stakeholders were instrumental in expanding the participants’ networks, opening doors for future collaborations and business opportunities. Several participants expressed optimism about potential deals and partnerships with Spanish and international buyers, further highlighting the tour’s success in facilitating meaningful connections.

Overall, the “SME & BSO Tour” was a significant milestone for the participating businesses, many of whom are now well-positioned to expand into European markets. The combination of exposure to Organic Food Iberia, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities provided these SMEs with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive bio-/organic food and wine industries. As a result, the tour not only strengthened economic ties between Eastern Partnership countries and the European Union but also empowered the SMEs to become more competitive and innovative players in the global market.

With the conclusion of the study visit, participants are now looking ahead to the future, eager to implement the insights gained during their time in Madrid. The tour’s success has demonstrated the growing potential of the bio-/organic food and wine sectors in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, and it is likely to inspire further collaborations and initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment between these regions and the European Union.