Kosovo moves towards membership in the 'International Bartenders Association'

Kosovo has taken the first step towards full membership in the International Bartenders Association (IBA), a significant development for the country’s bartending community. This process was confirmed by the acting president and one of the founders of the Kosovo Bartenders Association (KoBA), Valdrin Govori, through an official statement accompanied by a confirmation letter from the IBA.

In a letter sent by the President of the International Bartenders Association, Bruno Santos, Kosovo has been included in the “Observer” status in the IBA, a preliminary stage that must be passed before becoming a full member within the next three years. In this letter, Santos invited the delegation representing KoBA to the World Cocktail Championship and the IBA General Assembly. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, as well as the Embassy of Kosovo, for the support provided in this process.

The IBA President emphasized the importance of the leadership of the Kosovo Bartenders Association and its role in following the standards set by the IBA. He encouraged supporters to continue their support for the KoBA, thus helping the development and professionalization of bartenders in Kosovo.

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KoBA's Plans and Goals

According to the press release, KoBA President Valdrin Govori described this success as a major step for bartending in Kosovo, but also emphasized that this is just the beginning of a broader integration process. He announced that KoBA has already begun a new phase of restructuring and internal development, in order to prepare for full membership in the IBA.

Furthermore, it has been announced that the IBA president is expected to visit Kosovo in the spring of 2025, when the first cocktail championship will also be held in the country.

In conclusion, KoBA has stated that it will focus on four main areas:

-Provide development opportunities for Kosovo bartenders through training harmonized with the IBA.
-Create various platforms such as competitions and contests that will enable Kosovar bartenders to showcase their talent on the international stage.
-Develop the structure and regulations in accordance with IBA standards.
-Help raise awareness in society about the importance of responsible alcohol consumption, through the association's social program, #DrinkResponsibly.

This development marks a historic moment for bartenders in Kosovo and paves the way for their inclusion in the global mixology scene. /Telegraph/

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