ArmInfo. Armenian company ''Armenia Wine", engaged in the production of wine and brandy, invests in expansion of its own plant 3.4 billion drams. The government of Armenia exempted the company from paying customs duties for the import of equipment and raw materials at the meeting of October 18.
Submitting the draft decision, acting Minister of Economic Development and Investments of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Khachatryan noted that as a result of the project implementation 144 new jobs will be opened, the average salary will make 240 thousand drams.
As acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted, at the Francophonie Summit, foreign guests had the opportunity to taste Armenian wines and brandies. "It was nice to hear praise about the quality of domestic products from the leaders of the countries - world leaders in the production of alcoholic beverages. In particular, the French President and his wife, using, however, the expression brandy in relation to Armenian cognac, were surprised by its quality," Nikol Pashinyan noted. He also pointed at the importance of encouraging domestic producers to enter new markets. The acting Prime Minister called on the heads of relevant departments to think about increasing production, paying particular attention to the volume of grape production. "In the medium term, we may encounter a shortage of raw materials, which should be paid special attention. Moreover, because of the shortage of raw materials, there may be a danger of supply of cognac spirit from abroad, from which low-quality drink will be produced," Nikol Pashinyan said. He also pointed out the importance of combating counterfeit goods, especially in foreign markets, in which, under the guise of Armenian cognac, fake products are sold. "All this causes distrust of foreign buyers, undermines the authority of the Armenian industry, especially such well-known brands as Armenian wines and brandy," Nikol Pashinyan stressed.
According to the National Statistical Committee of Armenia, in 2017 brandy production in Armenia increased by 39.4% compared with 2016. During the reported period, 30 million liters of brandy were produced against 21.5 million in 2016. Wine production also increased by 30%, champagne by 10% and beer by 21%, in 2017, 8.8 million liters were produced, 20.4 million liters and 863.800 liters, respectively. Vodka production decreased by about 12%; liquor- 40%, and whiskey - 28%.