The Georgian government should support local exporters in diversifying away from Russia rather than helping them enter the market, security expert and Gotsiridze Winery founder Andro Gotsiridze said on BMGTV’s program Tsertili, commenting on Russia’s ban on products from several Georgian companies on quality grounds.
“Russia’s politicized economy is an instrument of hybrid warfare. Businesses such as Tbilvino are trying to enter other markets, but they need government support. If subsidies are available, they should help companies shift exports from Russia to other destinations, through marketing campaigns or other means,” Gotsiridze said. He warned that a wine industry crisis would affect not only wineries but also grape growers, packaging suppliers and other related businesses.
Gotsiridze said Russia frequently uses economic ties and tourism as tools of political pressure, arguing that Georgia needs a clear plan to help businesses cope with potential restrictions. Citing Russia’s restrictions on tourism to Turkey during the 2015–2016 tensions, he questioned why Georgia would increase its dependence on Russia, particularly in a strategic sector such as winemaking.
He also called for greater investment in promoting Georgian wine internationally. Gotsiridze said the approximately GEL 127 million spent on wine marketing between 2012 and 2026 was insufficient, especially compared with subsidies. He argued that traditional, high-quality Georgian wine is the country’s key competitive advantage in Western Europe, the United States and other markets.
