Tbilvino expects some losses from Russia’s temporary ban on certain Georgian beverages but does not anticipate significant financial damage due to its limited exposure to the Russian market. CEO Zurab Margvelashvili told BM.GE that the company exports its wines to around 30 countries, with Russia accounting for a relatively small share of its business.
“We sell quality Georgian wine in around 30 countries and export very little to Russia. Our dependence on the Russian market is low. There will be some losses, but we are probably one of the few companies with such limited dependence on Russia,” Margvelashvili said.
He questioned the grounds for the restrictions, noting that Tbilvino sells its products in countries with stringent quality standards. He said the decision was made without a detailed explanation of the alleged quality concerns and compared the situation to Russia’s 2006 ban on Georgian wine.
Margvelashvili said it was too early to predict how long the restrictions would remain in place. Although the ban has been described as temporary, its duration remains unclear. Tbilvino is communicating with its partners and seeking clarification, but the company has not yet disclosed further details or feedback from its partners.
Russia’s consumer protection and sanitary watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has temporarily restricted imports and sales of certain Georgian beverages. The affected products include wines from Tbilvino, Teliani Valley, Askaneli Brothers and Wineman; Askaneli Brothers’ cognac; beer from the Georgian Beer Company; Coca-Cola produced in Georgia; and Nabeglavi mineral water from Healthy Water.
