Expert: cheese can have ‘white gold’ value for Armenia

September 16, 2013 - 15:31 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia is a country which produces over 25 types of cheese, including Lori, Chanakh, Motal, Chechil, etc., with an output of 17 tons per annum.

According to the National Statistical Service, the production of cheese decreased by 2.6% in January- July 2013 against the same period last year and totaled 10 108 tons.

The Union of Cheese Producers says about 70 enterprises are currently involved in production of cheese in Armenia.

To boost the industry, a closed joint stock company Armenian Cheese was established. However, according to chairman of the Union of Cheese Producers Armen Gigoyan, the enterprise is not functioning at the moment, due to lack of financing.

The expert is confident that cheese and dairy products in general can have ‘white gold’ value for Armenia, whose geographical location provides unique opportunities for cheese production.

The Armenian Development Agency, in turn, plans to export cheese worth of $1,5 million during the next several years, with Armenian Cheese brand already registered in Russian and U.S. trade systems.