"It’s the first time we initiate such a project. We’ve had projects promoting Romanian products so far, but now we’ll focus on wine alone. The purpose is to make Romanian wines as widely known as possible among Romanian consumers. About half of the total EUR400,000 needed for the project will come from European funds, 30% from the Government and the rest will come from professional associations in the sector,” ministry cabinet manager Adrian Radulescu told MEDIAFAX Wednesday.
He added that starting 2010 Romania will get funds from the European Union to promote local wines on international markets.
According to data of the National Winemakers’ Organization, Romania exported this year about 278,000 hectoliters of wine to Canada, China, Italia, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States. Imports this year rose to 450,000 hectoliters and came from outside the European Union.
Romanians drink an annual 5 million hectoliters of wine and local production will rise to about 5.6 million hectoliters this year. Sales are expected to amount to EUR400-450 million, according to the winemakers’ organization.
"During the winter holidays, wine sales will increase by 18-25%," said Petre Calin Mocanu, executive manager of the winemakers’ organization.