Ministry: Product selection in Azerbaijan's trade, wine houses differs by country

The range of products presented in Azerbaijan's trade and wine houses is formed according to the market characteristics of the countries where they operate, the country's Economy Ministry told Report.

"In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Pakistan, the main demand is focused on fruit juices, canned products, confectionery, and bakery products. The sale of alcoholic beverages is not intended in these countries. At the same time, tea, dried and fresh fruits and vegetables are also among the preferred products," the ministry stated.

The ministry also noted that in China, Belarus, and Russia, customers are offered more Azerbaijani wines and other alcoholic beverages. There is also high interest in tea and canned products in these countries.

"In recent years, foreign consumers have begun to better recognize Azerbaijani products. Local organic products are finding their place in healthy diet regimens, and the supply of products to new markets is increasing. Particularly pomegranate wines and pomegranate juices generate great interest among foreign buyers. In Europe, Kazakhstan, and Gulf countries, there is high demand for fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, tea, and canned products in the 'fast-moving consumer goods' (FMCG) segment. The natural and organic characteristics of the products play an important role in increasing buyer interest," the ministry said.

The ministry also highlighted that trade and wine houses opened in various countries serve to implement Azerbaijan's export strategy. These initiatives also expand access opportunities to markets of other countries in those regions. For example, trade houses operating in Latvia (Riga) and Poland (Warsaw), in addition to promoting and stimulating the export of Azerbaijani products in these countries, create a favorable platform for access to other European Union countries.

Currently, Azerbaijan has 13 trade houses and 4 wine houses operating abroad. Among the trade houses, 2 are located in the CIS region—Minsk and Astana; 6 are in China—Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Qingdao, Beijing, Nanjing, and Xi’an; 2 are in the European Union—Riga and Warsaw; 1 is in South Asia—Lahore; and 2 are in the Gulf region—Doha and Dubai.

As for the wine houses, 3 are situated in China, including two in Urumqi and one in Shanghai, while the remaining wine house is in Russia, in Yekaterinburg.