Examination of the territorial significance of Pálinka as a Hungaricum

Abstract

In numerous regions, economic development based on indigenous resources can be a take-off point of long-term development. This paper focuses on the territorial impact of four Pálinka fruit brandys under protection of designation of origin as registered in the Hungarian Repository of Values. They are the Pálinka made of plum of Békés, apricot of Göncz and Kecskemét and a grape-based pomace brandy of Pannonhalma.

After an extended literature review and secondary data collection (which includes an analysis of local rural and regional development strategies, plans and territorial database of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office) 63 in-depth interviews were conducted in the spring of 2014. The interviewees were people who took part in the production and management of the Hungaricums examined, tourism providers and the most important actors of local rural development. The research findings proved that the production of these Hungaricums provided several direct and indirect benefits for the economy and society of the regions examined. Among others factors, Pálinka contributed to local job generation and preservation, growth of income of producers of raw materials and distilleries and thus to the increase of local tax revenues and stimulation of local catering and tourism.

The significance of Hungaricums increased in regional programmes and touristic programmes in the research area. However, cooperation among the actors of tourism, Pálinka producers and local government was not typical. Although some good examples were revealed, in our opinion the willingness to co-operate among local actors could still be improved. It also emerged that premium-quality products provided diversification opportunities for local farmers and helped the integration of socially disadvantaged groups.

The Hungaricum certification made a significant contribution to the increased reputation of the regions studied and promoted the country’s image to a limited extent, too. It was also found that the four Pálinka brandys surveyed have rightly deserved Hungaricum certification, since they are such specific indigenous products, which are outstanding not only on the national level, they compare well on the international level, too. Our investigations highlight that these indigenous products should be even better exploited in the future. To achieve this aim, further state interventions (e.g. change of legislative regulations, etc.) and specific subsidies would be necessary. The Hungaricums investigated have not been presented meaningfully or even not at all in strategical and regional planning documents. Therefore, in our opinion, more attention should be paid to integrating these indigenous resources – being in accordance with interventions concerning the collection, research, popularisation and management of national values – into the national and local development period of 2014 and 2020.