On 15 July, President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė launched the Lithuanian National Day at World Expo 2015 in Milan. At the exhibition, which this year introduces the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life“, the representatives of our country present our culinary and cultural heritage.

Among other exceptional products presented in the Lithuanian pavilion, one can find the hard cheese DŽIUGAS which is proudly made by the Samogitian cheese producers. When the president paid a visit to the pavilion, the representatives of Žemaitijos Pienas gave her the souvenir package of DŽIUGAS. The President showed Lithuanian hospitality by offering cheese to the members of the Italian Government who were present with her.

“Today Lithuania is again at the centre of worldwide attention. In Italy, we have an exceptional opportunity to present our country to the world, to show what we are proud of and what distinguishes us from other nations. Lithuanian production is more and more highly valued not only because of its unique tradition but also because of its distinctive quality,” the President said inviting to "taste" Lithuania, a part of which is the Lithuanian cheese DŽIUGAS.

Organised every 5 years, EXPO 2015 involves 147 states and international organizations. It expects to welcome more than 20 million visitors from all over the world, about 150 thousand every day, to its 100 hectare exhibition area. According to the President, such events not only provide millions of people around the world with an opportunity to discover Lithuania, but also offer an excellent opportunity for our business people to establish contacts and find new markets for Lithuanian products.

The Lithuanian pavilion is composed of two buildings joined by interconnecting walkways. It represents the balance between tradition and innovation, the past and the present.  Visitors to the pavilion can acquaint themselves with Lithuanian history, its ties with other countries, its tradition and achievements.  The pavilion is also a venue for performances and films about Lithuania made specifically for Expo 2015.

The world fair, which runs for half a year, displays a permanent exhibition of exported products and presents Lithuanian scientists’ inventions in food technologies and agriculture. The first Expo was held in London back in 1851. Lithuania is taking part in the world fair for the 12th time.  The very first unofficial expo display was organized by émigré Lithuanians in 1900.