Excessive interest for pomegranate wine in foreign markets

Pomegranate, the oriental beauty generously endowed with nature and king of all fruits, is one of unique fruits of Azerbaijan. This round red fruit with a crown on his head is used by various companies in their promotions and is often found in cultural projects.

The juicy red fruit became the national symbol of the country. Both the pomegranate and products made from this fruit are produced for export and are famous in many foreign markets.

Shahin Hasanov, Secretary of Azerbaijan Pomegranate Producers and Exporters Association told Azernews that pomegranate and pomegranate products are mainly sent to CIS and East European countries.

He noted that besides the various products made of pomegranate such as pomegranate juice, “narsharab”, pomegranate wine, the greatest demand in the foreign market falls for fresh pomegranates.

Hasanov said that in recent years, the quantity of pomegranates and pomegranate products exported to foreign markets have increased. “For example, an export mission has recently been held in the Arab countries and several agreements have been signed,” he noted.

“Pomegranate products are exported to foreign countries throughout the year. Exports of fresh pomegranates, however, start in October and continue until late February and early March,” he said.

The secretary of the Association noted that the documentation and customs operations for the export of pomegranates and pomegranate products are supported by the state. “With the support of AZPROMO, many export missions, exhibitions are held in the country where a number of contracts with foreign countries are signed,” he said.

“We strive to get new certificates to access the western markets, which is not an easy task. We plan to export Azerbaijani pomegranates and pomegranate products to European, American, and Canadian markets,” Hasanov added.

“One of APPEA’s members plans to build a production area where products made of pomegranate peel will be produced. These products will be used in pharmacology and cosmetology to produce organic creams and other products. Additionally, products obtained not only from the peel of this fruit but also from its seeds are produced in the country,” he said.

Boyukaga Mustafayev, Director of Export Department of Az-Granata, one of the largest beverage producers in the South Caucasus region, told Azernews that production of products made of pomegranate peel was a matter of demand. “Currently the company does not produce such products and uses pomegranate peel in the agricultural sphere such as animal feeding,” he said.

He noted that pomegranate juice, pomegranate wine, “narsharab” and pomegranate concentrate were among the products exported to foreign markets. “As a result of diversification policy that we carry out, the top list of countries that pomegranate products are exported includes America, Russia, Europe, and countries situated in the Far East such as Malaysia,” Mustafayev said.

He noted that the company had pomegranate gardens in Agsu with total area of 400 ha. “However, we also buy pomegranates from local farmers of various regions of the country.”

Speaking about the pomegranate wine, Mustafayev noted that one of the reasons why pomegranate wine production is not widespread is the special technology that is used for production.

He also touched upon the fact that when people thought of wine the first thing that came to their mind was grapes. “As pomegranate wine is new and has specific features, there is an excessive interest in the global market regarding this product. It is the first time that people associate wine with pomegranates,” he said.

Mustafayev noted that Azerbaijan had some sorts of pomegranates that were not grown in other regions and countries and had distinct features. Such pomegranate sorts as Guloysha, Shah nar grown in the country, despite the sour taste, have high concentration of juice, vitamins and antioxidants compared to the other sorts, he added.

Traditionally, pomegranates have been cultivated in almost every region of Azerbaijan. The most popular national sorts of pomegranates are Guloysha, Bala Mursal, Nazik gabig, Shah nar, Girmizi gabig, Shelli cross breeding, Girmizi valas Shahnaz, Agshirin, etc.

The main distinctive feature of the popular Azerbaijani pomegranates is their cultivation in organic climate and non-use of organic fertilizers.

The area with pomegranate trees in Azerbaijan was 21,700 hectares in 2015, according to State Statistics Committee. For comparison, in 2010 this area was 19,000 hectares.