The challenges of the Kazakh wine market presented by Artem Lebedev IWA

The challenges of the Kazakh wine market presented by Artem Lebedev IWA In Kazakhstan, and particularly in the modern cities of Almaty and Nur-Sultan, the wine sector is experiencing major changes. Vinitaly Italian Wine Ambassador Artem Lebedev, supported by moderator Diva Moretti Polegato, brand ambassador of Villa Sandi, brought to wine2wine Business Forum 2021 the reality of the Kazakh market for Italian wine. The presentation is here available in podcast format. Opportunities for Italian professionals The republic of Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and one of the main countries connecting Europe with Asia. With a population of 18.3 million, it has an economy based almost solely on its mineral deposits. At the same time, the country has a wine culture dating back to the 7th century A.D., thanks to the discovery of traces of local wine production from that time. It is a tradition that continues to this day, although strongly influenced by the period of the Soviet domination, which marked taste and production style. Among the wines on the market we find bottles from Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Italy. Still an unfamiliar market, the main challenges of Kazakhstan include relatively low consumption as a result of the high percentage of Muslim population, prohibition of alcohol promotion, high taxation, and logistics problems that can increase export costs for foreign producers. Why enter the Kazakh market? With these difficulties in mind, what are the reasons why a producer should invest in Kazakhstan? The geographical location at the gateway to Asia - at the center of the great Asian steppe, bordering Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. An ancient wine culture experimenting new developments, which neighboring and more populous countries look to and are inspired by. The country has the same regulations as Russia, being in the same customs union (as is Uzbekistan). The presence of a niche of wealthy, Italy-loving consumers, eager to become part of an increasingly global wine community. Artem Lebedev IWA Artem Lebedev IWA was born in St. Petersburg and has been working in the wine industry for 8 years. After a 2-year experience in Europe, he has been living and working in Almaty, Kazakhstan since 2017. Artem is an ASI certified sommelier, WSET Diploma student, a Sherry ambassador, an EIA Italian Wine Ambassador, and is the CEO of Kazakhstan's annual Best Sommelier competition. He is also co-owner and senior lecturer of the Almaty Sommelier School.