NAGORNO-KARABAKH WINE AND VODKA EXPLORE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Regnum, Russia
Nov 6 2006
Wine and vodka production is one of the key directions of
Nagorno-Karabakh’s economy. REGNUM correspondent reports that the
leaders in the sphere are Karabakh Gold and Artsakh Alco.
Artsakh Alco produces wheat vodka, fruit vodkas (mulberry, grape,
apricot) and brandy. Only 15% of the fruit vodkas are sold inside
Nagorno-Karabakh. The rest is exported to Armenia, Russia, Ukraine,
and the US. The company has opened grapes reception offices in some
villages of Martuni district, which has become a good stimulus for
local farmers. The company is also planning to help grape producers
with fertilizers.
Karabakh Gold produces almost 30 types of wines and vodkas. Last year
the company processed 700 tons into wines. 2,000 tons of raw grapes
were sold to Yerevan Brandy Company, while spirit equivalent to 2,300
tons will be used in own brandy production, to be launched next year.
The company’s output is steadily growing – the volume of grape
processing is growing by 500 tons a year. People actively help
grape-growers to purchase necessary fertilizers.