The FINANCIAL — The constant quality control is one of the main directions of ensuring the competitive supply of wine and spirits in the local and international markets. Despite the processes related to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Wine Agency continued implementing quality control activities without hindrance. A number of activities are planned to be implemented to enhance the competence of small wine-making entrepreneurs and farmers.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili got information about the studies on new parameters introduced in the wine laboratory. The laboratory has been equipped with an expensive instrument – Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and has started to measure the stable isotope ratio in alcoholic beverages of grape origin in order to improve and enhance the wine quality control.
” The wine laboratory plays a key role in ensuring the wine quality control, moreover, quality control is an essential tool in creating a high reputation of Georgian wine. New research will enable to protect the wine making technology, meet the requirements of the product standard and spot the counterfeit wine’’- said Levan Davitashvili.
In addition to the quality control, the Ministry actively cooperates with the Wine Laboratory in the field of scientific research. A number of activities are planned to be implemented to enhance the competence of small wine-making entrepreneurs and farmers, including, conducting of training, seminar, research analysis of wine samples and discussion.
The Wine Laboratory Ltd. currently operating under the auspices of the Agricultural Research Center was established in 2006 as part of a project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The laboratory carries out testing of wine and spirits, providing service for individuals as well as government agencies, large and small wineries, factories and individuals interested in the wine business.
“International Standards Laboratory plays a key role in ensuring the wine quality control” stated Levan Davitashvili
The wine laboratory is equipped with the modern equipment and has a qualified staff. This is the only laboratory in Georgia, which is responsible for testing alcoholic beverages.
Georgia exported 94 million bottles of wine to 53 countries in 2019, which is nine percent more compared to 2018 and the highest export volume in the history of independent Georgia. Last year Georgia generated $240 million from the sale of wine abroad, which is 17% more compared to 2018, according to local media agenda.ge
The constant quality control is one of the main directions of ensuring the competitive supply of wine and spirits in the local and international markets. In early 2020, significant changes were made to the technical regulations for wine and spirits production to detect possible falsifications in alcoholic beverages. Under the changes, the carbon isotope ratio analysis and testing will be conducted to determine that products are produced from grape.
Despite the processes related to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Wine Agency continued implementing quality control activities without hindrance . In particular: In the 6 months of the current year, the export products were inspected in 175 wine and spirits companies. A total of 427 samples were taken, 13 companies were denied for certification.
118 tastings were held at the State Tasting Commission of the National Wine Agency, aiming organoleptic testing of alcoholic beverages intended for export. A total of 4,131 samples were submitted, out of which only 202 were evaluated negatively.
