Azerbaijan may increase wine exports 2-fold by the end of 2018, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Wine Producers and Exporters Association Elchin Madatov declared.
“The export of Azerbaijani wine products exceeded $4 million in the first half of 2018, up by 80% YoY,” Madatov said. “By the end of 2018 we expect a 100% increase in wine exports.”
The main export destinations for Azerbaijani wine are Russia (85%), China (7%), Europe, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, he noted.
“On average, annual wine production is expected in the volume of about 14 million bottles, 5 million of which will be exported and 9 million will be sold on the domestic market,” Madatov said.
In accordance with the State Program for the Development of Winemaking in Azerbaijan for 2018-2025, approved by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the country plans to increase wine exports fivefold by 2025.
Exports of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as wine vinegar, stood at $7,161,660 in January-June, down by 36.44% YoY, according to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee.
Imports, in turn, amounted to $35,835,160, up by 17.92%. (Trend/Business World Magazine)
