February 4, 2011 - 16:25 AMT
Avag Harutyunyan: brandy production grew tenfold in Armenia over past 10 years

Chairman of the Union of Winemakers of Armenia Avag Harutyunyan said that 15%, 28% and 42% growth was recorded in 2010 in wine, brandy and beer production respectively.

10% drop was recorded in vodka production, Harutyunyan told journalists in Yerevan.

The expert noted that wine, brandy and beer production increased by 2, 10 and 3 times respectively over the past 10 years, while the volume of vodka production remained unchanged.

At the same time, wine export grew by 56%, brandy – 16%, vodka – 5%, spirit – 40% in 2010.

“As a whole, 20% growth was recorded in export of alcoholic beverages, while their import also increased by 20%,” added Harutyunyan.

According to him, in 2010 import of wine increased by 4 and 10 times compared to 2009 and 2000 respectively.

Besides, brandy import dropped by 50% in 2010. However, its import grew tenfold over the past 10 years.