The shipments carried out by several Armenian brandy firms were effectively disrupted following Georgian authorities’ introduction about two months ago of physical checks on the alcoholic beverage.
More than 100 Armenian trucks loaded with brandy were reportedly held up in Georgia pending the results of lengthy quality tests. The measure baffled the affected exporters, who argued that their products only transit Georgia and are not sold there.
The companies heavily dependent on the Russian market have suffered major losses because of missing delivery deadlines. Some of them have suspended their operations as a result.
Armenian government officials say they have repeatedly raised the matter with their Georgian counterparts in recent weeks. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told lawmakers on Thursday that 52 Armenian trucks have finally been allowed to proceed to Russia. But 72 others remain stuck in Georgia, Papoyan said, adding that he will discuss the problem with Georgian Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili in Yerevan on Friday.
According to the Armenian Economy Ministry, Songulashvili informed Papoyan later on Thursday that he cannot make the trip because of his busy schedule. The ministry gave no new date for it. It has yet to clarify whether the Georgian side has clarified why it introduced the transit checks.
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also commented on the issue in the Armenian parliament on Thursday. Some of the Georgian concerns may be valid, he said without elaborating.
According to government data, Armenia produced more than 220 billion drams ($560 million) worth of beverages last year. Brandy accounted for most of that figure. The bulk of it is exported to Russia.