Exports of Cypriot wines rose by 60% in 2021, Minister of Commerce Natasa Pilides said Wednesday on the occasion of International Maratheftiko Day.
International Maratheftiko Day has been officially established on December 1 to celebrate the dominant red wine-grape variety from Cyprus.
Pilides said that the first National Action Plan to promote Cypriot wine is producing results. The Ministry created a modern and dynamic campaign to promote Cypriot wine, both locally and abroad, with a series of targeted actions, Pilides explained.
“We have intensified the implementation of measures to strengthen 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 events inside and outside Cyprus and the publication of articles and advertisements in specialised magazines and websites.”
In relation to investments in the wine sector, Pilides said that grants totalling approximately €15.3 million had been approved for the benefit of 45 wine companies, including thirteen new wineries, while a total €13.5 have been distributed to date in 43 wineries.
In addition, she said that the Ministry operates the Export Help Desk, which is responsible for facilitating contacts between wineries and importers in 44 countries.