The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) hosted a presentation on its latest research into the wine and alcoholic beverages sector. The event brought together representatives from the financial and business sectors, as well as public institutions. 

The study provides a comprehensive overview of Georgia's wine and alcoholic beverages market, analyzes the sector’s credit portfolio and includes financial performance indicators. 

Opening the event, Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, emphasized the sector’s strategic significance, both as a key export industry and a contributor to the national economy. 

She emphasized that discussing these issues is crucial for financial institutions in assessing project solvency and making lending decisions, as well as for companies in the sector and policymakers.

“As the homeland of wine, Georgia considers the wine and alcoholic beverages sector both strategically important and symbolically significant. Moreover, this sector plays a key role in the country’s financial stability. Despite various challenges, it continues to grow steadily and remains competitive in major export markets. Conducting in-depth sectoral analysis is essential for identifying trends and challenges in a timely manner and developing effective response measures," noted Natia Turnava.

According to Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, the NBG’s study further underscores the vital role of the viticulture and winemaking sector in Georgia’s economy. He noted that over the past decade, the sector has experienced significant growth, supported by state initiatives, and emphasized the importance of such research in guiding its continued development.

"I believe this study, which analyzes trends and the current landscape of the global wine and alcoholic beverage market, will be highly beneficial for policymakers, as well as for the private and banking sectors-both essential for the continued progress and development of this industry," said Mekhuzla.

According to the NBG’s study, as of December 2024, the credit portfolio of Georgia’s alcoholic beverage sector stood at 1.4 billion GEL, with approximately 50% denominated in GEL. This accounts for nearly 4% of the total business sector portfolio. The industry continues to grow steadily, maintaining its competitiveness in export markets. Notably, while vineyard acreage and wine consumption are declining globally, in Georgia, both vineyard areas and wine production are on the rise.

Additionally, 31% of the sector’s credit portfolio is financed through various state programs, with 87% of that financing supported by interest subsidies. 

The presentation concluded with a Q&A session, during which stakeholders discussed the research findings, sectoral needs, and challenges for future development.