The volume of wines exported to foreign markets increased significantly in 2023. So did the value of wines. At industry level, over 80% of still wines are intended for export and international competition requires special attention to the wine promotion strategy, director of the National Office for Vine and Wine Ștefan Iamandi stated in a Wine Sector national conference entitled “Market growth strategies and strategic perspectives for Wine of Moldova”, IPN reports.
According to Ștefan Iamandi, the international recognition obtained due to the high quality of wines fosters the joining of forces to increase the product’s quality. Tradition and innovation will continue to be the pillars that support and contribute to the development of the wine sector in the country.
Andrian Digolean, state secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, said that a 25% increase in value in all categories and an 18% increase in quantity were reported in 2023 and this is gladdening given the challenges experienced by Moldova, such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. According to him, 2024 is expected to be a good wine year.
He noted that the National Office of Vine and Wine this year has already participated in major events that are important through their uniqueness, such as Vinexpo in Paris, France. Wine of Moldova was opened in Tokyo in Japan, which is an important strategic market, where wines with higher added value will be sold. Also, in Italy’s Verona, Moldova will participate in the stand of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture on April 14-17. The official encouraged winegrowers to sign long-term contracts with processors so as to avoid situations when they are unable to sell grapes or when they sell them at ridiculous prices.
Kent Logsdon, U.S. Ambassador to Moldova, said that he has been supporting Moldova’s wine industry for many years. After the two serious embargoes imposed by Russia, the sector innovated and refocused on dedicated value export markets. Currently, the wine industry generates revenues for over 50,000 producers, with over half of exports going to the EU. The U.S. is committed to building on these successes through programs that help wine producers grow, innovate and expand into new markets. Marketing and promotion are important elements in this effort. Personally, he is grateful for the opportunity to support the progress of the Moldovan wine industry over the past three years. The diplomat assured that the U.S. will support in time the building of economic and cultural resilience that will ensure a democratic, prosperous and safe future for Moldova.
Ilona Gruenewald, program manager for Rural Development and Agriculture at the European Union Delegation to Moldova, noted that the agri-food sector leads in terms of innovation while preserving traditions. The investments in quality and excellence, exploration of new markets and creation of Moldovan authenticity are conspicuous here. Together with Moldova, the EU has worked and will yet work for the green transition in agriculture, and beyond.
The conference “Market growth strategies and strategic perspectives for Wine of Moldova” brought together over 140 participants.
