Russian media has reported concerns over the quality of Armenian brandy sold in the Russian market. According to a joint study by the international association "Anti-Counterfeit" and the Union of Cognac, Spirit, and Alcohol Producers of Russia, a "significant portion of tested samples of Armenian brandy do not meet established standards."
As reported by TASS, 200 samples of brandy from over 20 brands produced by 10 of Armenia's largest manufacturers were purchased from federal retail chains in Russia for the study. An analysis conducted by an independent laboratory at the All-Russian Research Institute of Brewing, Non-Alcoholic, and Wine Industry revealed violations in 177 samples (89%). Nearly half of the samples contained non-grape spirits, and only 23 samples fully complied with Russian GOST standards and legislation.
In response to inquiries from Armenian media, Armenia’s Ministry of Economy stated that it has not yet received official notification or information regarding the basis for such a study. Ministry representatives noted that they will revisit the issue once the facts have been reviewed.
