In a concerted effort to bolster economic relations between Monaco and Switzerland, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB), in collaboration with the Attractiveness Unit, Monaco Private Label, the Embassy of Monaco in Switzerland, and the Consulate of Monaco in Zurich, has embarked on a series of strategic initiatives to create new opportunities for its members.
Following its inaugural participation in Davos, the MEB’s Executive Director General, Guillaume Rose, and Deputy Director General, Justin Highman, visited Zurich from 28th to 30th January. The primary goal of the visit was to identify new business prospects and strengthen strategic relationships with key economic actors in the region, laying the groundwork for an upcoming economic mission to Zurich and its environs.
During their stay, Rose and Highman engaged with several important organisations. They were received by Claire Louis, Deputy Director and Head of the Zurich office of the French Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an entity that unites over 1,000 Swiss and French companies, representing a network of 3,000 business contacts. This partnership is deemed strategic for the MEB’s economic cooperation projects.
The MEB team also met with Raphaël Tschanz, Director of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce, to explore bilateral development opportunities. As a key regional player, the Zurich Chamber is committed to enhancing the attractiveness of Switzerland’s economic capital.
Additionally, Laurin Brüninger, Global Consultant Investment Promotion at Switzerland Global Enterprise, shared insights into Switzerland’s economic landscape, highlighting promising sectors for Monegasque entrepreneurs and foreign investment opportunities. Switzerland Global Enterprise, the official Swiss organization responsible for export and economic promotion, can serve as an intermediary for MEB companies seeking Swiss partners and distributors.
The mission also encompassed a cultural dimension. The MEB and its partners attended a performance of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Romeo and Juliet by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, an event that gathered over 20 guests from the networks of the Monaco Embassy in Switzerland, the Monaco Consulate in Switzerland, Monaco Private Label, and the MEB.
Exactly one century since the birth of French musical master Pierre Boulez, the Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain, led by conductor Bruno Mantovani, will pay a sweeping tribute to his legacy as part of the 2025 Les Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo festival. The day-long event on 26th March will feature musical interludes and a lecture delving into the legendary composer, writer and conductor’s long and prolific career.
French musical legend Pierre Boulez, who died in 2016, would have been 100 this year, and to mark this occasion, the Printemps des Arts festival is presenting a three-part event celebrating the composer’s incredible and inspiring life and work.
Taking place at the Salle des Franciscains at the Théâtre National de Nice, this one-day experience invites audiences on a Boulezian odyssey, traversing his early groundbreaking works and culminating in the masterful creations of his later years.
Conductor Bruno Mantovani will draw parallels between Boulez and his idol, Beethoven, noting their shared trajectory of youthful experimentation followed by a mature reappraisal of earlier styles. This exploration of memory and transformation, central to Boulez’s enduring relevance in contemporary music, is highlighted by three key moments in his career: the integration of legacies after the Liberation of France, the proliferation of utopias in the 1950s and the conductor’s pragmatic later return to the practice of composition.
The day will begin with a rehearsal at 3pm, accompanied by commentary, where Mantovani will provide insights into Boulez’s intricate compositions. This will be followed by a lecture on ‘Notation: Boulez’s Musical Language’ at 6pm, delivered by musicologist Viviane Waschbüsch. The evening will conclude with a full-scale concert starting at 7.30pm, which will showcase works spanning nearly five decades of Boulez’s career, including: Sonatine pour flûte et piano (1946), a vivid synthesis of post-war musical influences; Dérive 1 (1984), a dynamic exploration of resonance inspired by Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire; and Dérive 2 (2006), a distilled, introspective work emblematic of Boulez’s late style.
Performers will include flutist Fabrice Jünger, pianist Benjamin d’Anfray, actress Ambre Pietri, and the Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain, with Mantovani conducting and presenting.
Tickets start at €30. The commented rehearsals and lecture are free for ticket holders but require reservations. For more information and to book seats, click here.
AS Monaco Basketball delivered a powerful team performance on Friday at the Salle Gaston Médecin to secure a hard-fought victory over European giants Real Madrid. The team, led by impressive performances from Nick Calathes and Petr Cornelie, held their nerve in the high-stakes and often tense game to earn a 77-73 win in front of a fired-up home crowd.
Back on home soil after three straight away games, Monaco wasted no time setting the tone at the Salle Gaston Médecin. Calathes struck early with two three-pointers, while the team’s aggressive defence stifled Real Madrid’s offence. By the end of the first quarter, the Roca Team had carved out a seven-point lead (20-13), driven by the intensity of Georgios Papagiannis and the shot-making of Matthew Strazel.
Monaco continued to impress in the second quarter, extending their lead to 13 points, but Real Madrid fought back, capitalising on a lapse in concentration from the hosts. A 9-0 run from the visitors saw them claw back into contention, and by half-time, the Spanish side had taken a 39-36 lead.
Determined to regain control, the Roca Team returned from the break with renewed energy. Calathes and Mike James orchestrated the offence, while Cornelie made his presence felt at both ends of the floor. A three-pointer from Terry Tarpey helped Monaco reclaim the lead, and Mam Jaiteh’s inside presence ensured they maintained momentum. By the end of the third quarter, the hosts were back in front (59-56), with every player contributing to the team’s success.
The final quarter was a test of nerves, and Monaco held theirs. Strazel and Calathes stepped up in key moments, while Hezonja’s ejection for a second technical foul weakened Madrid’s fightback. A 13-3 run in the closing minutes gave the Roca Team breathing space, and despite a late Madrid surge, Monaco saw out the game with composure.
Collective effort seals crucial win
The victory was built on teamwork, with all 10 Monaco players who stepped on the court getting on the scoresheet. Calathes recorded a double-double (12 points, 10 assists), while Strazel (13 points) and James (nine points) provided crucial contributions. Cornelie’s all-around impact further strengthened the Roca Team’s grip on the game.
Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis praised his squad’s commitment in his post-game comments, saying, “Everyone gave their maximum tonight. We had a rough stretch in the second quarter, but the team responded. That’s what being a team is about.”
Mika Biereth singlehandedly swept aside a spirited Auxerre (4-2) as he netted an eight-minute hat-trick, allowing AS Monaco to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Inter Milan.
Monaco were looking to erase the memory of a midweek “nightmare” at the San Siro and return to winning ways. However, the task was not easy. Auxerre have a knack for frustrating big sides, as they did by comprehensively beating Marseille at the Vélodrome back in November, or even more recently, holding Champions League high-fliers Lille to a goalless draw.
They frustrated Monaco for much of the first half and – as they often do – looked to catch their opponents on the break. They almost did that on the 15-minute mark as Gaëtan Perrin rounded Radoslaw Majecki and tucked home. However, he didn’t time his run and was caught out by a tight offside.
“One of the worst halves since I arrived in Monaco” – Hütter
Instead, it was Monaco who took the lead midway through the half as Thilo Kehrer reacted quickest in a crowded box to blast home a volley and score from Les Monégasques’ only chance of the half.
But their lead lasted just three minutes. Sinaly Diomandé latched onto a lay-off, sending an outside-of-the-boot effort into the top corner. Auxerre then rallied, creating a flurry of half-chances before being gifted a bigger one on the stroke of half-time.
Denis Zakaria pulled down Jubal in the box and the Auxerre captain stepped up himself to take the penalty. However, he missed his initial effort, saved by Majecki, who had clumsily stepped off his line before the kick was taken. Jubal made the most of his reprieve, finishing the second effort.
“It was one of the worst first halves I have seen since I arrived in Monaco,” said Adi Hütter post-match. Changes at the break seemed a logical outcome and Auxerre manager Christophe Pélissier said that he anticipated Monaco’s three changes and subsequent formation change, not that his side could handle it. Importantly, Breel Embolo came on to partner Biereth, who had struggled to get in the game in the first half.
Hütter makes game-altering teamtalk
It was a game-changing tactical switch from Hütter as Biereth levelled the scores with a calm finish one-on-one. He then allowed the Principality club to retake the lead with a close-range volleyed finish that took a nick off the post on the way in. He then gave Monaco breathing room, latching onto the ball after Embolo had rounded Donovan Léon but ran the ball too far.
Biereth was on hand to finish, completing his hat-trick in just eight devastating minutes that put the game to bed. Ado Onaiwu hit the bar for Auxerre late on, whilst Embolo was foiled one-on-one. That miss was of no consequence as Monaco held on for what ultimately – on the face of it – looked a comfortable victory.
The reality was anything but. Hütter has his share of responsibility for the turnaround, even if Biereth’s “special” performance will take the headlines. It was the switch to two strikers and an inspired, “direct but calm” – in Kehrer’s words – half-time speech, that righted the ship.
PSG up next
“For sure, for Mika to score three goals is special. Today, Mika and Breel showed that they could play together. I have the feeling that there are opportunities there. I was impressed and there is big promise for the future,” said Hütter.
An “important” victory under Monaco’s belt, they head to the Parc des Princes looking to beat PSG, take revenge for their Trophée des Champions defeat and – perhaps – even relaunch an unlikely title challenge.
The inspiring Women of Monaco Club will be hosting its first luncheon of the year in March, an event that will coincide with the initiative’s annual awards ceremony. A celebration of the achievements and influence of women in the Principality, the gathering at the Yacht Club de Monaco will honour a group of women whose work and efforts in fields such as philanthropy, business and art are changing perceptions and inspiring others to take hold of their futures and create a lasting impact in their communities.
The event on 11th March will also mark the second anniversary of the launch of the successful Women of Monaco Club, which brings together local women who share common values and ideologies. Founded by Sandrine Knoell, the woman behind event management agency Five Stars Events, membership, granted by sponsorship, is open to women with strong ties to Monaco, whether through residence, work, education, philanthropy or a passion for the arts.
“I believe it is essential that women in Monaco do not feel isolated, but are part of a community where they can learn, share, and grow together,” says Knoell. “Some women are new to Monaco and do not yet speak French well. By joining the Club, they can participate in social events and communicate mainly in English.”
The club regularly hosts luncheons and themed gatherings throughout the year, in addition to the annual Women of Monaco Lunch and Awards. The 2025 awards will champion women in the Principality who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of fashion, art, health, music, image, career, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
Attendees at the dual occasion in March will be treated to a fashion show by designer Violante Nessi, known for her cool and elegant style. Jewellery designer and Monaco resident Sarah Ho will also grace the occasion, demonstrating her unique ‘Bespoke & Revamp’ service.
Additionally, internationally acclaimed artist and designer Agneta Livijn will bring her signature blend of art and functionality to the event, showcasing her exclusive kitchen creations.
Proceeds from the event, as always, will go towards projects backed by the Princess Grace Foundation.
In the heart of Monaco, where luxury and heritage intertwine, an age-old tradition is experiencing a renaissance thanks to the innovative spirit of entrepreneur Philip Culazzo. His venture, La Distillerie de Monaco, is transforming the Principality’s abundant bitter oranges into a premium liqueur, L’Orangerie, capturing the essence of Monaco’s rich agricultural past.
Long before Monaco became synonymous with opulence and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, it was a land deeply rooted in agriculture. The fertile grounds of the Principality were adorned with citrus groves, and the bitter orange, or bigaradier, held a place of prominence. These oranges were not merely ornamental; they played a vital role in the local economy. Historical records suggest that locals utilised the fruit as a form of currency, trading them for goods brought by passing merchant ships.
Today, the legacy of this agricultural heritage persists. The Principality is home to over 1,100 citrus trees, with 516 of them being bitter orange trees. These trees, many of which are owned and maintained by the Princely family, line the streets of districts such as Condamine, Moneghetti and Monte-Carlo, standing as living testaments to Monaco’s enduring connection to its agrarian roots.
“When I came to Monaco, I quickly realised I wasn’t going to be opening a vineyard or making wine,” says Irish-Italian entrepreneur Philip Culazzo. “Unfortunately, two square metres just isn’t enough land for that. So I started looking for something I could create in Monaco.”
That search led him to the citrus trees that had been part of Monaco’s landscape for centuries.
Philip Culazzo has created a sustainable product that is truly unique to Monaco. Photo by Monaco Life
The annual harvest: a bumper crop
Every January and February, gardeners from Monaco’s Department of Urban Amenities undertake the meticulous task of pruning and harvesting the bitter oranges. In 2024, this effort yielded an impressive 11.14 tonnes of fruit, a testament to both the favourable climatic conditions and the diligent care bestowed upon these trees. Of this harvest, 4.45 tonnes were generously distributed to local residents and organisations, including the Lycée Rainier III, where the fruit is transformed into jams and jellies.
The remaining bounty finds its way to La Distillerie de Monaco. Culazzo and his team receive around 500 kilograms of bitter oranges daily during the harvest season. This year, the harvest has been particularly exceptional, with the oranges reaching remarkable sizes and juiciness, attributed to the abundant rainfall in 2024.
“You can see they’re quite perfect,” Culazzo says, holding one of the season’s massive oranges. “The trees usually produce between eight and 10 tonnes of fruit. But this year, it’s closer to 15 or 16 tonnes because of all that rain.”
The larger, juicier fruit has translated into an extraordinary production season for the distillery, with the potential to yield up to 50,000 bottles of L’Orangerie.
“We’ve just been amazed by the amount of fruit coming in this season,” Culazzo adds.
Over 500kg of bitter oranges are delivered to the distillery each day during harvest season. Photo by Monaco Life
From tree to bottle: crafting L’Orangerie
At La Distillerie de Monaco, the journey from tree to bottle is a labour of love, embracing artisanal methods and sustainability. The process begins with government workers handpicking the oranges, followed by a gentle cleaning at the distillery using a light disinfectant to ensure purity.
“The fruit itself is completely natural—no pesticides are used in Monaco,” explains Culazzo. “They’re checked, scrubbed, and then placed here at the peeling station.”
The zest is meticulously removed and macerated to release essential oils and vibrant colour, forming the base of L’Orangerie. Meanwhile, the juice is fermented and distilled into an eau-de-vie, which has yet to be released to the public. The entire operation ensures that every usable part of the fruit is transformed into a premium product, with minimal waste.
“When we say handmade, we really mean handmade,” says Culazzo. “From tree to bottle, the process is extremely short—the closest tree is just 50 metres away. All the oranges are picked by hand, washed by hand, peeled individually and juiced manually.”
The liqueurs can be found in most of the Principality’s distinguished bars. Photo by Monaco Life
Beyond oranges: a taste of Monaco in every bottle
In addition to L’Orangerie, La Distillerie de Monaco has expanded its portfolio with other distinctive spirits and gourmet products, all crafted with the same commitment to authenticity and local ingredients. The carob liqueur, made from Monaco’s national tree, is a unique creation with deep historical roots.
“More or less, the carob saved the Monaco population from starvation,” Culazzo explains, referring to a famine in the 1800s when locals relied on carob as a staple food. The liqueur offers rich, complex flavours reminiscent of coffee, chocolate and caramel, making it a versatile ingredient for cocktails like an elevated Irish coffee or an apple-based martini.
The distillery also produces a gin, infused with citrus and Mediterranean botanicals, including locally sourced ingredients. Beyond spirits, La Distillerie de Monaco has ventured into gourmet products such as marmalade, which contains a touch of their orange liqueur for added depth, and handcrafted chocolates infused with their signature flavours. These products allow people to experience Monaco’s terroir in new and unexpected ways.
Whether sipping L’Orangerie straight like a limoncello, mixing it into a Monaco Spritz with prosecco or using the carob liqueur in a creative cocktail, each offering from the distillery is a celebration of the Principality’s heritage in a bottle.
La Distillerie de Monaco is open for purchases and tastings. Photo by Monaco Life
A truly Monaco-made spirit
More than just a drink, L’Orangerie is a tribute to Monaco’s past, a celebration of its present and a vision for a sustainable future. By repurposing a local resource that would otherwise go to waste, Culazzo has not only created a signature Monegasque product but has also revived a connection to the Principality’s agricultural roots.
“This fruit is literally coming from trees rooted in Monaco’s ground,” he says. “It’s harvested and processed right here, turned into something that truly comes from Monaco.”
In a world where sustainability and heritage are increasingly valued, La Distillerie de Monaco offers a compelling narrative of how a small Principality can make a significant impact, one bitter orange at a time.
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Main photo by Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
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