News
Otar Shamugia: " In 2023, Georgia exported a total of USD 455 million worth of wine and spirits".
During the presentation of the 2023 report to the Parliament, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, addressed the outcomes of the state's targeted policy in the winemaking and viticulture fields.
 " Due to the targeted policy, wine and spirit export earnings increased once more in 2023 and reached another record high. The total value of wine and spirits exported last year amounted to USD 455 million, a 16% increase over the corresponding figure in 2022. Wine worth USD 260.0 million is exported to 66 countries around the world.
I should mention that, in 2023, the export price of wine increased for the first time since the pandemic by roughly 40 cents, which is significant for the industry", said Mr. Otar Shamugia.
In addition, the Minister discussed the 2023 grape harvest, pointing out that it was lower than in 2022 due to challenging climate conditions. The quantity of the crop fell due to intense rains followed by severe hail.
The 2023 harvest was organized in terms of handling and storage of crops. Up to 220 thousand tonnes of grapes were processed throughout the country, and the farmers received up to GEL 300 million in income from selling their grapes.
Â
The private sector was highly involved in the 2023 grape vintage process. The best indication of recent years is that, in the Kakheti region, the state enterprise processed only 10% of the harvest, while in Racha - 4%.
According to the Minister, after multiple severe hailstorms in September 2023, the state promptly received and processed the grapes. The vineyard farmers received up to GEL 18 million in income from selling damaged grapes.