Georgian Wine Export in 2017 Reaches Record Breaking Number

National Wine Agency of Georgia claims that Georgian Wine Export in 2017 reached a record-breaking number for a period of almost 30 years. 

Following the data published on the National Wine Agency site, 76.7 million bottles of Georgian wine were exported to 53 countries worldwide in 2017, which is 54% higher than in 2016. In 2017, wine export amounted to $170 million US, showing a 49% increase compared to previous years. 

The export growth, according to the Georgian National Wine Agency, is seen in China, with 43% (7,585, 407 bottles); Russia, with 76% (47,778, 920 bottles) Ukraine, with 46% increase (8,502, 554 bottles of Georgian wine exported), Poland with 15% increase (676,440 bottles exported), Latvia with 20% growth (1,505,138 bottles of wine exported), Belarus, 56%, (1,827,130), US with 56% (457 920 bottles exported), Germany, 38% (404,538), Israel, 150% (213,074), Mongolia 82% (168,162), France 178% (99,796), Azerbaijan 75% (141,294) amongst others. 

The top five countries for Georgian wine export, the National Wine Agency says, are Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan and Poland. 

As for the top Georgian locally produced wines being exported in 2017, Kinzmarauli tops with 12,8 million bottles exported followed by Mukuzani 4,2 million bottles, Tsinandali, 3,4 million bottles, Akhasheni with 1,5 million bottles, Khvanchkara with 887,500 thousand bottles and Tvishi with 308,800 thousand bottles. GNWA states that almost 250 Georgian companies exported wine in 2017. Furthermore, 18.4 million bottles of brandy were exported to 26 countries, making it 78% higher compared to 2016. Overall, the export of brandy in 2017 amounted to $39.4 million, with a 70% increase seen. 

288,000 bottles of Georgian Chacha was exported to 23 countries worldwide, with export growth reaching 180% with $846.3 thousand USD received in income from the export. 

The overall income received from exporting alcoholic beverages such as wine, chahcha, and brandy, amounts to $283.8 million, showing a 46% growth compared to the previous year, Georgian National Wine Agency says.

By Nino Gugunishvili