Moldovan grape growers face losses as costs outpace winery prices

Radio Moldova reports that Moldovan grape growers face mounting costs as the country’s wine-grape harvest is forecast to rise 10% to 15% year on year. Indicative prices for grapes sold for processing range from €0.34 to €0.41 per kilogram, according to sector benchmarks cited by the broadcaster.

Grower Cristina Filipovici, who farms 70 hectares of Merlot and Cabernet, expects yields of 9 to 11 tonnes per hectare. She told Radio Moldova that production costs run €3,250 to €3,500 per hectare and estimated that sales at 5 Moldovan lei per kilogram would bring in about €2,500 per hectare, below her upfront costs.

Viticulture consultant Andrei Bors said procurement prices have changed little over two decades, despite investment in vineyard irrigation. Radio Moldova also reports that some growers sell directly at regional markets, where premium Merlot fetches about €0.45 per kilogram. Transport costs for growers from Congaz and Comrat have risen from 500 to 1,500 lei, while daily stall rental has doubled to 150 lei.

The projected national average yield is 8 to 9 tonnes per hectare, with commercial vineyard yields ranging from 7 to 13 tonnes depending on region, variety and irrigation, the broadcaster reports.