The efforts made jointly by the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and relevant bodies, through the implementation of the first National Action Plan drawn up for Cypriot wine, seems to be bearing fruit, said the competent Minister Natasha Pilidou, stressing at the same time that exports of Cypriot wines in 2021 recorded a rapid increase of more than 60% compared to the previous year.
At the same time, in relation to investments in the wine sector, Pileidou said that grants totalling €15.3 million have been approved for the benefit of 45 wineries, including 13 new wineries, while to date €13.5 million have been given to 43 wineries.
In a statement on International Marathon Day, which is being celebrated for the second consecutive year, Ms. Pileidou expressed her conviction that this new institution "will become a reference point in the coming years and will contribute to the promotion of this unique indigenous wine variety" and added that the Ministry, since the beginning of the initiative of the Oenophile Group Oeno-Art and Oenognosia, has been a supporter - and will continue to do so - in the effort to promote the quality and special characteristics of Maratheytiko.
"Maratheytiko, like our other indigenous varieties, stands out for the uniqueness of its flavour and aromas, presenting excellent prospects and advantages, which we must exploit in order to increase the exportability and awareness of this wine in foreign markets," he said.
In the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan, according to Ms. Pileidou, the Ministry proceeded, among other things, to create a modern and dynamic campaign for the promotion of Cypriot wine in Cyprus and abroad, which includes a series of targeted actions and is now ready for implementation.
At the same time, he said that "we have intensified the implementation of measures to enhance the extroversion of Cypriot wineries and wine industries, such as the Ministry's Sponsorship Plans for participation in foreign exhibitions, the organisation of wine tasting and tasting events inside and outside Cyprus and the inclusion of articles and advertisements in specialised publications and websites".
He added that in the last 12 months some 30 targeted actions for Cypriot wine have been carried out in Cyprus and abroad.
In addition, he said that the Ministry operates the Export Help Desk, which is responsible for facilitating contacts between our wineries with importers in 44 countries, which are covered by our 16 Trade Centres.
He also said that within the framework of the National Support Programme for the Wine Sector, our Ministry has been implementing, since 2014, the measure concerning investments in the wine sector.
"This Measure aims to provide support to improve the overall performance of winemaking enterprises, to adapt them to market requirements and to increase their competitiveness," he said, adding that the Measure was launched six times and grants totalling about €15.3 million have been approved and so far €13.5 million have been granted to 43 winemaking enterprises.
Source: CNA
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