REMAINING FAITHFUL TO ITS POLICY, YBC KEEPS ON CONTRIBUTING TO IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL- ECONOMIC WELFARE OF ARMENIAN REGIONS

ArmInfo
2010-03-15 10:41:00

ArmInfo. Under redolent influence of a noble and celestial drink, the
Armenian brandy, residents of the town of Berd of Tavush region marked
the official opening of a distillation workshop in the local branch of
Yerevan Brandy Company on March 14. Taking into account the necessity
and importance of the industry development in near-border regions
of Armenia, YBC plans to extend its production capabilities having
built an ageing workshop here. "We shall do our best for no bunch of
grapes to remain on the land and for the region residents to be able to
cultivate and sale their harvest without difficulties", Yerevan Brandy
Company Executive Director Ara Grigoryan said at a pres-conference
in Berd dedicated to the official opening of a distillation workshop
which has been operating since November 2009. Despite the negative
impact of the global financial and economic crisis, YBC purchased about
3000 tons of grapes out of 6000 tons from the local farmers in 2009,
having exceeded the indicator of 2008 by over 700 tons. The price
per 1 kg made up 120 drams, being the highest one as compared to the
price fixed by other plants operating in the territory of Armenia.

The plant will be able to considerably increase the grape purchase
volumes with the opening of a new distillation workshop.

Governor of Tavush region Armen Gularyan welcomed the initiative of
YBC management and emphasized the high social and economic importance
of YBC Tavush branch for both the residents of Berd and the whole
Tavush region.

According to the governor, in the conditions of a great number of
unemployed, opening of this workshop will create a source of stable
income for the town dwellers and solve the problem of employment in
the region. He added that grapes cultivation is an ancillary craft
for the major part of the Tavush population.

As A. Gularyan said, operation of the new workshop already gives its
positive results and inspires confidence in the region residents. The
governor expressed confidence that implementation of such projects
will allow to recover the bygone traditions of Tavush which was
glorious by cultivation of high-quality and eco-friendly products. YBC
director said at a press-conference that contracts will be signed with
winegrowers in the next few days. To note, YBC currently cooperates
with over 5,000 winegrowers. As for the grape prices, A. Grigoryan
said the Company aims to maintain the last-year volumes of brandy
production and preserve the last-year grapes procurement prices. YBC
acquired special equipment for Tavush branch for the cognac spirit
quality improvement – 3 distillation facilities, imported from France
and made of copper, that attaches unique taste to the brandy.

The Armenian brandy has an "individuality" due to the kinds of
grapes being grown in Armenia only. This quality distinguishes the
local brandy from all the others, including the French brandy, YBC
production director said.