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The French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU) organized the 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau Night celebrating friendship, hard work, and unity. The event brought together diplomats, corporate leaders, and members of the French and Francophone communities, who enjoyed the fresh Beaujolais red wine alongside French delicacies like cheeses and charcuterie.

L-R, Xavier Sticker, Ambassador of France to Uganda tossing with French chefs and Jean-Philippe Bittencourt (General Manager Sheraton Kampala) during Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 celebrations at Kampala International School Uganda. (Photo by new vision)

This celebration, held last week, at the Kampala International School Uganda, symbolises friendship, hard work and unity.

Organised by the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU), the 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau party welcomed a diverse crowd, including corporate leaders, diplomats, expatriates and members of the French and Francophone communities.

Xavier Sticker, Ambassador of France to Uganda speaking during Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 celebrations at Kampala International School Uganda. (Photo by newvision)

Attendees enjoyed the new vintage of Beaujolais red wine, accompanied by an array of traditional French delicacies, such as cheeses, breads, and “charcuterie” (cold cuts).

Ambassador Xavier Sticker of France to Uganda expressed his pleasure in hosting the event, noting that the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration not only highlights French wine but also serves as an occasion for people to connect, bond and step away from their daily routines.

Sticker emphasized that the event provides a unique opportunity for the French community and its Ugandan partners to reflect on their achievements.

Celebrating friendship and economic co-operation

FCCU general manager Happiness Daher-Ebhohon welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to the sponsors who helped make the evening possible.

RAFRIKA music band performing during Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 celebrations at Kampala International School Uganda. (Photo by newvision)

A press statement from the French Embassy highlighted France’s significant role in the global wine market, noting that in 2024, the country is expected to produce around 39.3 million hectolitres of wine an industry that represents a vital sector of the French economy.

The Beaujolais Nouveau itself is a fresh red wine made from Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France. Known as the first wine of the vintage, it is traditionally released on the third Thursday of November and marks the end of the harvest. The celebration has expanded globally, and today, people gather around the world to share in this festive tradition of French gastronomy.

Promoting culinary skills and bilateral ties

Alfred Onek, the press attaché at the French Embassy, reflected on the event’s significance as a moment to appreciate the growing economic and cultural ties between Uganda and France. The Beaujolais Nouveau Night also serves as a platform for French and Francophone businesses in Uganda to strengthen their collaborations and celebrate their shared achievements.

Center, Sudhir Ruparelia and other guests attending the Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 celebrations at Kampala International School Uganda . (Photo by newvion

This year, in line with FCCU’s commitment to promoting skills development, a four-day training workshop was held in Kampala. Led by visiting French Chef Grégory Giraudon, the workshop focused on cheese and cold cuts preparation, providing young Ugandan chefs with valuable hands-on experience.

FCCU, launched in July 2024 to replace the Kampala Business Club (CAK), is Uganda’s first chamber of commerce dedicated to a European Union member country. With a growing membership of over 70 French and Ugandan companies, FCCU aims to further enhance economic relations between France and Uganda, fostering deeper bilateral cooperation.