Ambassador Tefft Supports Georgian Wine exports to the U. S.
On February 29, 2008 Ambassador Tefft participated in a wine tour to observe preparation for the first large-scale export of Georgian wines to the U.S. With the support of the U.S. government, the Vinoterra and Tsinandali Old Cellar wineries of the Kakheti region have a contract to export wine to the U.S. to be sold at Whole Foods Markets, the world’s largest retailer of natural and organic foods. Ambassador Tefft, USAID Mission Director Robert Wilson,First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Bakur Kvezereli, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vakhtang Lezhava, Governor of Kakheti region Levan Bezhashvili participated in the event. Ambassador Tefft congratulated the Georgian winemakers on entering the U.S. market and added that he was very happy American people would have an opportunity to taste the Georgian wines. The U.S. government will continue to assist Georgian wineries, including their participation at the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event of the National Restaurant Association Show held in Chicago in May 2008. Events such as these are an integral part of U.S. Government’s strategy to increase and stimulate Georgia’s economy through increased export promotion, develop jobs throughout Georgia and to help the Georgian economy to grow. The first order of 10,500 bottles, worth USD 48,000, will be bottled and shipped to Seattle, Washington. The volume is expected to more than double in the first year.
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