Visitors will be able to taste the preserves, jams, and juices made of local produce on the spot in the newly opened tasting hall of "Punj" factory in Vernashen. They will have the opportunity to personally participate in harvesting and canning.
The opening of the tasting hall was made possible within the framework of "Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia" (LILA) project implemented by WWF-Armenia in collaboration with "Strategic Development Agency" NGO.
The project contributed furniture and equipment for the furnishing of the tasting room, consulting for the business development and expansion. Solar panels were installed on the roof of the factory. Through the partnerships with inbound tour operators the "Punj" was included in tour packages to ensure tourist flows.
Director of "Punj" factory Egdar Beglaryan emphasized the importance of supporting the developing business in rural areas.
The opening ceremony of the tasting room took place on September 4, 2024. It was attended by the Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia and Deputy Regional Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Mrs. Ursula Läubli, President of the "Strategic Development Agency" NGO Mkrtich Ayvazyan, Director of WWF-Armenia Levon Aghasyan, officials from local self-governing bodies, tour operators, other distinguished guests. A tour around the factory was organized for the guests to get acquainted with the operation.
Levon Aghasyan, the Director of WWF Armenia, in his welcoming speech thanked the donor organizations for supporting the project, which contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources.
"Within LILA project, we combine two important approaches: ensure protection and sustainable use of natural resources and promote job opportunities and economic development for local residents. So far, within the framework of the initiatives implemented by the project, on the one hand, community-based organizations protect the environment, on the other hand, we also want to promote economic initiatives through supporting tourism,” said Mrs. Ursula Läubli.
Alla Ghazaryan, the coordinator of the LILA project from SDC noted that the opening of the tasting hall will play a key role in improving economic conditions and developing tourism in Vernashen. "Gastrotourism is in great demand in the region and in Armenia. There is a strong demand in local food from the growing hospitality and tourism businesses. From this point of view, "Punj" factory can act as a supplier of a wide range of local products. The opening of the tasting hall is a serious economic stimulus for the development of the settlement and the region, because the factory sources fruits, vegetables and wild fruits from more than 100 families. This creates an alternative source of income for local residents, which is very important for ensuring sustainable economic development in the region," she said.
Edgar Beglaryan from Yeghegnadzor founded "Punj" canning factory back in 2015. In 2019 the production line of the factory counted 40 types of products: preserves, jams, compotes and juices. At present the production capacity of the factory is 150,000-200,000 jars per year. The products are mainly sold at the local market.
The opening of the factory has created new jobs in the settlement. Residents of Vernashen village were engaged in the construction of the factory and later on later on employed as workers during operation. Beglaryans source raw material for the production either from own orchards or collect from the farmers in the village and region.
“Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by WWF Caucasus and Armenia offices in collaboration with Strategic Development Agency NGO.
September 06, 2024 at 11:21