Vodka consumption grows when political problems emerge

PanARMENIAN.Net - Consumption of vodka grows when political problems emerge, according to chairman of the Union of Armenian Winemakers Avag Harutyunyan. It’s not a secret that political situation gets more tensed, with the false start to the 2012 parliamentary election given.To prove his viewpoint, he presented the statistical data on alcoholic drinks in Armenia.

31% and 62% growth was recorded in wine consumption in 2010 in Armenia compared to 2009 and 2000 respectively, while consumption of strong drinks increased by 12% in 2010 and 2.3 times over the past 10 years in Armenia. Consumption of imported and local vodka grew by 23 times and 61% respectively over the past 10 years in the country.

“Usually, growth in strong drinks consumption is an evidence of social problems in any country. For example, vodka consumption increases when there are political problems. Annual wine consumption made 1 liter per capita 10 years ago in Armenia, while currently it makes 1.5 liter per capita. At the same time, annual vodka and brandy consumption made 8.3 liters per capita in 2010 against 5 liters in 2000. These figures indicate the social situation in the country,” Harutyunyan said.

According to him, 15%, 28% and 42% growth was recorded in 2010 in wine, brandy and beer production respectively. 10% drop was recorded in vodka production. Brandy and beer production increased by 2, 10 and 3 times respectively over the past 10 years, while the volume of vodka production remained unchanged. Wine export grew by 56%, brandy – 16%, vodka – 5%, spirit – 40% in 2010. As a whole, 20% growth was recorded in export of alcoholic beverages, while their import also increased by 20%. In 2010, import of wine increased by 4 and 10 times compared to 2009 and 2000 respectively. Besides, brandy import dropped by 50% in 2010. However, its import grew tenfold over the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, RA National Statistical Service informs that 12.6mln liters of brandy were produced in Armenia in January-December that is 27.9% higher as compared to the same period in 2009. 11.9mln liters of vodka were produced during the reporting period that is 10.1% less compared to January-December 2009. Besides, 5.1mln liters of wine were produced in 2010 against 4.4mln liters in 2009. In addition, 15.4mln liters of beer and 618.2thous liters of sparkling wine were produced in January-December 2010 that is 41.7% and 35.5% more compared to the same period in 2009. 1.6% growth was recorded in soft drinks production, reaching 38.3mln liters in 2010.

Harutyunyan is concerned about the prices at the Armenian alcoholic beverages market. “A minimum price should be determined for vodka and brandy. In Armenia, a bottle of brandy can be bought for AMD 1200 while its cost price should be no less that AMD 2500. If a minimum price is set at AMD 3000, it will be less acceptable for the youth,” he said.

Besides, Harutyunyan is confident that the advertisement of alcoholic beverages should be banned.