Imports of alcoholic beverages increases on the background of decline in production

Azerbaijan continues to increase imports of alcoholic beverages. By July 1 last year were imported this product to the amount of $31.3 million this year - $33.4 million, Turan was told at the Center for Economic Research.

According to the State Statistics Committee, on the results of  first half, the absolute production of this product in comparison with last year decreased by 2.7%. Most  of all "suffered" a line of sparkling wines - minus 53.9% (just went on sale 4.1 deciliters.) Pouring liquor totaled 31 4 decaliters (minus 38.4%), vodka - 319 decaliters (minus 25.9%). Even the leader of production - beer (2 650.8 million decaliters) gives last year's performance by 18.7%. The only position where the growth was recorded  is  wine , which was produced in the factories of the country by 11.8% more - in absolute figures, 298.8 thousand decaliters.

CER expert Vahid  Maharramov believes that this sector is not competitive in Azerbaijan. Product quality  is inferior  compared with the same Russian counterparts - on the shelves of grocery stores alcoholic assortment of northern neighbors  is ahead of local products. This is clearly seen in the figures - by the end of 2011, imports of drinks in Azerbaijan was measured  at  $15 million, in 2013 this amount was twice as high - $ 30 million, he said - 17D-