Hungarian children weren't the only ones to receive a present on the feast of St. Michael this year; the Museum of Agriculture received a gift too. The "Pálinka Cabinet" was augmented with a new treasure today; the country's best pálinka, produced by the Agárdi Pálinka Distillery and winner if this year's competition, was placed in the collection by Sándor Fazekas, Minister for Rural Development. The plum pálinka won first prize at the 19th Hungarian National Pálinka, Fruit and Wine Distillate International Competition.

Our ancestors held pálinka in such great esteem, that they kept it in the wall cabinet next to the Bible, medicine bottles and other valued items. On St Michael's Day, the competition's winning drink has also found its worthy place; the Agárdi Pálinka Distillery's plum pálinka will from now on have a place in the Pálinka Cabinet at the Hungarian Museum of Agriculture – said the Minster for Rural Development.

In his speech, Sándor Fazekas emphasised: the Ministry supports the carrying forward of values, the preservation of quality autochthonous plants and fruit species, and the perpetuation of traditions. The aroma of the fruit is unmistakably recognisable in a good pálinka, and so the prevalence of old types means greater choice and the emergence of newer and newer distillates. The amendment of the Excise Act has now made it possible for us to offer guests our own fruit brandy. This means that special, unique techniques and old family recipes will continue to exist. The amendment of the Excise Act and the regulations regarding small-scale production has enabled Hungarians to decide freely on the utilization of their own fruit, in accordance with European practices, be that the making of jam or the distilling of pálinka – said the Minister at the ceremony.

The Ministry has implemented firm measures to protect pálinka: excise duty on poor quality spirits made using aromas has increased by fifty percent. The goal of the amendment is to provide an advantage for high quality alcoholic drinks made from fruit. Excise duty is no longer payable when distilling pálinka for one's own use, up to a maximum of 50 litres. This encourages the home utilization of fruit that has fallen or has not been used when fresh, and of grape pomace left over from winemaking.

In addition to pálinka, other fruit products such as jams, fruit syrups and juices are also at an advantage compared to imitation, substitute products.

In defence of pálinka competitions, the Ministry has issued a decree that the national drink should be promoted within the framework of high standard, internationally recognised events. The 19th Hungarian National Pálinka, Fruit and Wine Distillate International Competition was just such an event, at which those interested could taste and purchase the most delicious beverages. 791 pálinkas were entered in the competition; the jury presented 86 gold medals and 20 champion awards. The winner, and the country's best pálinka, was chosen from among the latter twenty.

Sándor Lovász has been organising pálinka competitions in Hungary since 2008. His plans include Hungary organising the first ever Pálinka, Fruit and Grape Distillate World Cup in 2012.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)