“The state has withdrawn from subsidising the harvest; however, it remains the guarantor for the purchase of any surplus produce. This means that no winegrower will face difficulties selling their crops or receiving payment for their entire year’s work,” stated Davit Songhulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, during the Business Partner programme on GPB First Channel.

“Last year, during the harvest, we tested a qualitative division of grape pricing. This year, we have already announced that a grading system will be in place, with prices determined by quality. This underscores our commitment to producing high-quality products,” added Songhulashvili.

The Georgian Government has decided that the state will determine the purchase prices based on the sugar content in the event of a surplus harvest and a lack of interest from the private sector in purchasing grapes. For permitted grape varieties, under the Law “On Vine and Wine,” if the sugar content exceeds 20%, the price is set at 1.30 GEL; for sugar levels between 17% and 20%, it is 0.80 GEL; and for less than 17%, it is 0.30 GEL. As for Saperavi, if the sugar content exceeds 22%, the price is 1.50 GEL; for 17% to 22%, it is 0.90 GEL; and below 17%, it remains 0.30 GEL.

According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine consumption is currently at its lowest level since 1961. Over the past decade, wine consumption has declined significantly.