MOLDOVAN WINE EXPORTS MAY HALVE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS – NVWO

The exports of Moldovan winemaking produce this year may fall due to the Covid-19 pandemic by 30%, or even 50% against the 2019, supposed the National Vine and Wine Office.

The NVWO reported that already in March the wine and grape exports fell 9% in terms of volumes and 11% in monetary terms against the first month of spring in 2019.

NVWO Director Gheorghe Arpentin said that the coronavirus spreading negatively affected the entire branch of winegrowing and winemaking, in which one-fourth of the Moldovan population are employed.

“One of the winemaking sector’s main goals this year is to preserve jobs. This fact will positively affect the entire chain and later will ensure economic revival of the branch and rehabilitation of the dynamic of Moldovan wine exports. Today we have to unite efforts and work together, to continue promoting Moldova as producer of quality wines and as an important branch of wine tourism”, he maintains.

Arpentin reminded that the domestic winemaking sector has already gone through several major crises with destructive economic consequences, but it managed to successfully overcome the difficulties, including due to winemakers, who demonstrated great courage and solidarity.

“The NVWO will be closely monitoring the situation in the branch and on the main export markets. Our experts will identify obstacles the winemaking community is facing and will help state bodies to intervene for adopting proper decisions and support measures. After the crisis, the Office will take necessary measures for enhancing the activity on promoting the Moldovan wines on export markets”, he assured.

As Infotag has already reported, in 2019 Moldova exported 156.6 million liters of winemaking products, which became a record result over the last 5 years. 94% of exports accounted for wines, 3% – for divins [in Moldova, this is the name of the alcoholic beverage, which is called as “brandy” in the rest of the world] and wine distillates, 2% – fortified wines and 1% - sparkling wines. In total, Moldova was exporting winemaking products to 67 countries with total worth 3 billion lei (US$174 million), which is 9.2% (260 million lei) more than a year earlier.