Russia buys champagne from third countries: Turkey and UAE help circumvent sanctions, – media

Russian refugees in Gulf countries have revived the sale of alcoholic beverages. In 2022, France sent 75% more champagne bottles to the Emirates compared to 2021.

France sharply increased its exports of champagne to the countries of the Persian Gulf after the outbreak of a major war between Russia and Ukraine. Bloomberg writes about this, citing data from the Comite Champagne organization, which unites the issues of champagne production and trade.

The increased demand is highly correlated with the Russians leaving their homeland. French producers sent 75% more champagne to the UAE in 2022 – about 1.9 million units. Turkey started to buy 120% more products and champagne exports from this country to Russia exceeded 180%.

David Chatillon, co-chairman of L’Union des Maisons de Champagne, said the presence of refugees from Russia in the Gulf states could encourage the sale of alcoholic beverages.

The European Union has banned the export of luxury goods to the Russian Federation following the outbreak of an all-out war in Ukraine, but restrictions apply to goods over 300 euros. Champagne is often sold cheaper, experts say, and some countries are confident that they can be re-exported to Russia.

Russia ranked 13th for champagne imports in 2021, falling to 38th in 2022 after shipments fell more than 80%. The agency said manufacturers shipped about 435,000 bottles to Russia in 2021, with more than 2.3 million.

The Comite Champagne did not impose an export ban, the organization did not receive requests for certificates of origin from manufacturers for shipments to Russia after the invasion.

Châtillon believes that France may have hesitated to export champagne to Russia for logistics, insurance and fees and reputational reasons.

The increase in exports to Gulf countries, including Qatar, which hosted the World Cup in November and December, reflects the return of tourism to the region. Total sales of champagne in 2022 exceeded a record 6 billion euros.

Sparkling wine producers may have hesitated to export to Russia for logistics, insurance and payment reasons and to protect their reputations.

According to L’Union des Maisons de Champagne, the increase in exports of champagne to Gulf countries, including Qatar, is a result of the return of tourism to the region.

Recall that in June last year, the Artwinery company promised to supply Ukrainian stores with “Artemovsky” champagne, despite the fierce fighting in Bakhmut.

And in Europe, a shipment of Moet & Chandon champagne had to be recalled in July 2022. Ecstasy was found in the drinks.

Source: Focus

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