YEREVAN, August 18. /ARKA/. Production of wine and brandy in Armenia has grown to pre-crisis level, the head of the National Wine Center Avag Harutyunyan told journalists on Friday. He said production of wine in the first half of 2017 increased by 1.5 times compared to the first half of 2013,  production of brandy rose by 7%, while production of vodka dropped by 10%.

According to him, wine production in the first half of 2017 increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2016; that of brandy  GREW by 61% while production of vodka dropped  by 35%.

"Russia is the main consumer of Armenian wine products. Since 2013 the Russian ruble devalued twice, while prices increased by only 20%. The indicators were affected also by a complex socio-economic situation, as a result of which many consumers can not afford more expensive drinks," said Harutyunyan.

"The potential of Armenia's export is 10 million bottles given a steady crop of grapes  in the next 5-10 years. In such conditions,  exports to Russia can double in comparison with the current indicators and reach 4-5 million bottles a year," said Harutyunyan.

According to Armenia’s National Statistical Service, wine production in Armenia in the first half of 2017 increased by 29.8% compared to the same period in 2016 to 3.8 million liters, that of brandy grew  by 60.9%  to 14 million liters, while  production of vodka decreased by 36%  to 2.44 million liters. -0-