In 2020, the grape harvest and the volume of wine produced were the lowest in the last 10 years.
Such data were presented at the National Conference "Year of Wine 2020. Priorities for the Development of the Industry", organized by the National Bureau of Vine and Wine (VVV). According to the data presented, the grape harvest decreased by 39.2%, and the volume of wine produced - by 42.2% compared to 2019. At the same time, in 2020 the export of wine products decreased by only 12% in physical terms and by 7% - in terms of value. The export of bottled wines as a whole increased by 9%. According to the strategic plan, in 2021, measures were initiated to strengthen positions in close markets, as well as actions to conquer alternative markets. Herewith, it is planned to expand activities in the markets of the USA, Canada, and China in 2022. Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Ion Perju stressed that the wine sector is a priority and strategic sector of the national economy that requires special attention. In turn, the director of the National Bureau of Vine and Wine Cristina Frolov noted that 2020 proved that the chosen vector of development - diversification of export markets and wine products - ensures the sustainability of the wine industry even in the face of drought and pandemic. Currently, the bureau's activities are focused on identifying new export opportunities, sustainable development of the sector and raising the awareness of the national brand “Wines of Moldova”. It is noted that thanks to significant exports to more than 60 countries of the world, Moldovan wines make up 2% of the world volume of exported wines, which are distributed across all market groups. According to statistics, every fourth inhabitant of the village works in a wine-making economy; in total, the industry employs 150 thousand people. // 02.04.2021 - InfoMarket
