Volumes of cheese export have increased, however the possibilities haven’t been fully used: Armen Grigoryan

Volumes of cheese, exported from Armenia have considerably increased. Upon the data of the first semester of ongoing year, Armenian cheese was exported 1.3 times more, reaching to 2580.7 tons from 3300.2 tons. Greater part was exported to Russia—3269 tons, as compared to 2574 tons of the previous year’s first semester. Export to the USA comprised 16.5 tons, Georgia—13 tons. Israel—240 kg, Sri Lanka—25 kg.

Armen Grigoryan, Head of Association of Cheese Makers, told 168.am, that export dynamics, as compared to the previous year, has grown, and it’s conditioned by the deficit in Russia.

“Prior to Western sanctions, about half of the cheese, consumed in Russia was being imported, half of which was provided by Belarus and Ukraine. As a result of sanctions, imposed by Russia, import of cheese from Ukraine was suspended,” A.Grigoryan said.

That volume, according to A.Grigoryan, is 7-8 times more, than Armenia’s total consumption volume, that’s why at least insignificant deficit there is a great opportunity for Armenia. He stated that this situation can’t last long, Russia itself attempts to increase its production volumes, however, it can’t be recorded so quickly.

“Armenia hasn’t fully used the available opportunity. We shouldn’t look to the numbers, we should look how we work, so that not today’s sells issues were solved, but to considerably increase tomorrow’s volumes. First and foremost, we should have implemented woks towards increasing volumes of milk production. In this regard, development of the institute of farms is of crucial importance,” A.Grigoryan said, adding that the association intends to initiate steps to that end and apply to the Armenian Government.

By Gayane Khachatryan