Founder Ilda Hila has a deep personal connection to Albania and Me Zemer’s mission. After building a successful career in finance in Milan, she returned to Albania to establish Me Zemër, a brand dedicated to showcasing authentic Albanian products and traditions to the world. She is a blend of an analytical mind and a sensitive heart , a woman with many dreams who chose to turn “homesickness into a mission and nostalgia into a business”, returning to her hometown of Lezha to build her dream with her own hands. Hila sees her venture not only as a business but as a cultural bridge supporting local producers, empowering rural communities, and connecting the diaspora with the flavors and heritage of their roots.
It is this vision that has led to a private tasting event for a select group of guests. Me Zemer has launched an initiative to bring Albanian wine, food, and flavors to every table for Albanians everywhere. This mission was celebrated at an exclusive private event hosted by Viosa and Richard Lukaj in Connecticut, in collaboration with the renowned Chef Fejsal Demiraj.
The event brought together some of the most prominent American restaurateurs in the NYC area, including Bruno Selimaj, Elio Ahmetaj, Nick Zherka, Ben Celaj, as well as Mira and Dorian Puka. It served as a unique platform to promote Albanian products and flavors and, by extension, to encourage Albanian families everywhere to host Albanian-themed dinners, as well as for restaurants to include Albanian products within their menus to further enrich their customer experience, with ingredients and products from the region made possible by Me Zemer.
The private gathering, held at the Lukaj Family Residence in Greenwich, CT, showcased an exclusive list of Albanian wines from distinguished local wineries. The selection included wines made by Albanian grape varieties such as:
- Cobo: Shendevere, E Kuqja e Beratit, E Bardha e Beratit, and Kallmet Rozina.
- Uka: Kallmet, Pulez, Ceruja White, and Ceruja Orange, the latter being a limited edition and very unique natural wine, made by Ceruja autochthonous grape as a result of the collaboration between Chef Fejsal Demiraj and Flori Uka, Owner of the Uka winery.
- Duka: Shesh i Bardhe.
- Alimani: Shesh i Bardhe and Shesh i Zi.
As well as:
- Raki from Kinolli Distillery;
- Raki from Mrizi i Zanave;
- Extravirgin Olive Oil from Shkalla Organic Oil;
- Musai Oil;
- And a selection of teas, honey, and gliko.
Richard Lukaj commented on the initiative, emphasizing its accessibility and quality. “Online access and professional shipping make it easy for anyone to make a special occasion in their home and also a great way to share special gifts with non-Albanian friends”. He added that the products “stand the discerning tastes of any world-class palette, with unique flavors, grapes and blends of fresh ingredients made by hand through tradition”.
About Me Zemer
Me Zemer is an Albanian startup that curates and exports premium “Made in Albania” products, from artisanal foods and beverages to unique handcrafted goods. The company is committed to bridging local traditions with international markets by sharing the stories of the talented producers who embody the spirit of Albanian culture.
For inquiries, collaborations, or partnership opportunities, please reach out to Me Zemer.
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