The state-owned Harvest Management Company, operating under the National Wine Agency, has sold 10 million liters of grape-based alcohol at auction after seven attempts. The average sale price was GEL 5.88 per liter, including VAT.
According to information provided by the National Wine Agency, the “wine distillate” was offered in 17 lots and purchased by 10 companies. The company did not disclose the names of the buyers, despite previous unsuccessful auctions where the price was repeatedly reduced due to a lack of demand.
The sale generated GEL 58.8 million in revenue for the state. The Harvest Management Company said the funds will be used to finance grape purchasing and processing for the 2026 harvest season, as well as related operational expenses.
The government accumulated millions of liters of alcohol and wine reserves as part of its grape harvest support program. Due to grape production exceeding market demand, the state purchases surplus grapes from farmers to prevent price declines and social tensions, then processes the grapes into alcohol for later sale.
In 2025, Georgia recorded a record grape harvest of 330,000 tonnes. Private companies purchased 170,000 tonnes, while the remainder was bought by the state company. As a result, more than half of the harvest was financed by public funds, with harvest subsidies reaching a record GEL 247.1 million.
