Both prestige and sales improved

In 2008, pálinka production was up 20 percent compared to the previous year. According to Gyula Kasza from the Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Development, pálinka has become trendy and there are more and more pálinka connoisseurs. Preliminary data indicate that consumption was up by 30-40 percent in bars and restaurants in 2009. The pálinka sector received exceptional marketing support in 2008-2009; two of the successful initiatives were Pálinka Academy and the Pálinka Cocktail bartender contest – the winner of the latter was Gábor Nádas with his ‘Táltos’ cocktail.