BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 6
By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:
Wine production in Uzbekistan fell by 14.8 percent volume wise in 2019, compared to 2018 to 20.1 million liters, in value, taking into account the devaluation of the national currency - by 12 percent to 146.4 billion soum ($15.3 million), Trend reports via Uzbek media.
In particular, production of natural grape wine decreased by 15.6 percent to 19.3 million liters, sparkling wine ("Champagne") - by 11.6 percent to 769,800 liters during the reporting period.
Currently, about 60 enterprises in Uzbekistan produce wine. The largest of them, Tashkent Wine Factory, was established in 1867. It includes four plants with a total capacity of 7.8 million decalitres of 35 wine grades, 16 that of cognac and 107 that of vodka.
In addition, the company owns a distillation alcohol plant with a capacity of two million decalitres per year, a glass plant with a capacity of 200 million bottles per year, 4,000 hectares of vineyards and orchards, as well as primary grape processing stations with a capacity of 35,000 tons per year.
It should be recalled that since April 2019, Uzbekistan allowed the sale of wine and beer in any shops, public catering facilities and hotels without a permit certificate for the right to sell alcoholic beverages. This requirement was introduced on 1 January 2007. This rules do not apply to strong alcoholic drinks.
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