10-15% grape harvest growth is forecasted in 2011.

According to Chairman of the Union of Winemakers of Armenia Avag Harutyunyan, grape harvest faced two problems during the year. In June, because of hail, loss made 20%, and fungous resulted in 5% loss. “With 30-35% harvest growth forecast, as a result, grape harvest growth will make 10-15%,” he noted.

The wine maker also stated that grape purchase has been under way for 3-4 days. “This season stands apart with a radical turn, with wine makers in need for grape,” he said.

The point is, that obstacles of the crisis period are being overcome, and trade craze is forecasted in terms of demand for 2011 winter period, New Year celebrations and April May of 2012.

Brandy makers, who have invested in wine production, have demand for grape too with crisis aftermaths, when considerable downfall in brandy realization volumes was registered.

According to Harutyunyan, all this will result in price boost of cultured grape in the coming year. But prices for table variety will not be high for a long time with export leaders being Iran and Turkey.

Also, according to Harutyunyan, strict control will be exercised to brandy quality, particularly for export to Russia. This will make manufacturers use only grape in production and not other alcoholic basis.