David Songulashvili: “This year we have already clearly stated that grape prices will be determined by quality.”

According to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, the state has withdrawn from grape harvest subsidies. Today, the state serves as a guarantor for the purchase of surplus harvests, ensuring that winegrowers do not face difficulties in selling or delivering their annual produce.

 

The Minister noted that during the previous harvest season, a ‘’pilot system’’ for quality-based grape pricing was implemented.

 

 

This year, however, it has been explicitly declared that a tiered pricing system will apply, with prices determined by quality, which once again underscores the government’s stated policy of promoting the production of high-quality products.

 

 

Under the decision of the Government of Georgia, in cases of surplus harvest where the private sector does not express interest in purchasing grapes, the state sets purchase prices based on sugar content. In accordance with the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, for approved grape varieties, the pricing structure is defined as follows: if sugar content exceeds 20%, the price is GEL 1.30; for 17%–20%, it is GEL 0.80; and below 17%, it is GEL 0.30. For ''Saperavi'' grapes, if the sugar content exceeds 22%, the price is GEL 1.50; for 17%–22%, it is GEL 0.90; and below 17%, it is GEL 0.30.

 

According to data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine consumption is currently at its lowest level since 1961, with a particularly notable decline observed over the past decade.