ARMENIAN BRANDY PRODUCTION DOWN 38% IN 2009

Interfax
Feb 1 2010
Russia

Armenia reduced brandy production 38.4% to 9.869 million liters,
the National Statistics Service reported.

The Agriculture Ministry told Interfax that demand declined due to
the global financial crisis. Demand was at its lowest level in the
first half of the year.

Armenian brandy is sold mainly in the CIS, primarily in Russia.

Sales increased noticeably toward the end of the year in advance of
the New Year’s holiday.

Liquor production rose 7.7% to 13.146 million liters last year, wine
production was up 30.8% to 4.372 million liters, sparkling wine –
down 1.7% to 0.456 million liters, and beer – up 2.8% to 10.825
million liters.