Armenia’s substantial brandy exports to Russia remain unaffected despite recent calls from a Russian consumer rights group, Anti-Kontrafakt, for significant restrictions on these sales, said Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan on August 22.

Brandy has been a major export for Armenia, with Russia being its primary market since the Soviet era. 

Earlier this week, Russia’s TASS news agency reported that Anti-Kontrafakt tested 200 samples of Armenian brandy, allegedly finding that 90 percent of them did not meet Russian safety and quality standards. The group claimed that nearly half of the samples contained “non-grape spirits,” classifying them as counterfeit. Citing the test results, Anti-Kontrafakt urged Russian authorities to implement “additional controls on alcoholic products imported from the Republic of Armenia” and to “limit the circulation of products that do not meet quality standards.” However, Russian authorities have not yet responded publicly to the group’s appeal.

When asked whether there were political motivations behind the recent calls for restrictions on Armenian brandy exports, given the strained relations between Armenia and Russia, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan responded by emphasizing the country’s commitment to improving product quality.

“Our economic policy is focused on ensuring that the quality of goods produced in the Republic of Armenia continuously improves and meets the required standards. This way, we can confidently sell our products in any country without raising concerns about quality. And if questions do arise, we can provide the results of international laboratory expertise as evidence,” Papoyan stated.