Crimea's largest wine producer, Massandra, has seen its output drop by 24 percent in the first four months of 2014 compared with the same period last year, but the company thinks increased exports to Russia will help it turn the corner.
Massandra's general director, Nikolai Boiko, said the company's exports to Russia in April and May outstripped last year's figures and that pre-orders from Russia for June in July are well above average for that time of year, Interfax reported Tuesday.
For the moment, the company's wine is still being sold in Ukraine, but Boiko is unsure how the breakdown in working relations between Crimea and Kiev following Russia's annexation of the peninsula will affect the company.
Massandra, which has exported 60 to 65 percent of its produce in recent years, is already taking steps to make sure its exports to countries further afield will not be harmed. It used to export its wines to the Far East, Asia and even North America via the Ukrainian port of Odessa, but now it is looking to switch to Novorossiysk in Russia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
