TBILISI: Armenia Cannot Replace Georgian Wine On Russian Market

ARMENIA CANNOT REPLACE GEORGIAN WINE ON RUSSIAN MARKET
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)

The Messenger, Georgia
May 1 2007

Arminian vineyards mainly produce grapes for brandy production

According to Chairman of the Union of Armenian Winemakers Avag
Arutyunyan, the Russian embargo against Georgia has not affected
Armenian wine exports to Russia. However, he added that Armenia cannot
replace Georgian wines on the Russian market.

"We hardly cultivate enough grapes to make cognac, and cognac is more
profitable," stated Arutyunyan.

He added that before the embargo was imposed, Georgia exported 40
million bottles of wine a year while Armenia exported only 800 000.

At most, Armenia can export 3-4 million bottles a year. Most of
their consumers are members of the Armenian Diaspora in Russia,
reports the news agency Regnum.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS