OREANDA-NEWS. October 15, 2012. The State should involve in the regulation of exorbitant prices on wines in Chisinau restaurants – said the Head of Marketing Department of the Cricova Winery, Sorin Maslo.

He told Infotag that the company sells only 5% (at about 2 million lei) of its produce to Chisinau restaurants. Yet, this figure might increase if the restaurant keepers establish reasonable prices on wines.

“According to the legislation, the restaurants have the right to set a trade mark-up on wines, up to 20-30%, but not 200-300% as now. The wine-makers cannot interfere into the regulation of prices, as this lies within the remit of the State, which carries out this mission through the Tax Inspectorate," said Maslo.

In his words, the wineries incur losses because of the exorbitant prices set by the restaurants. Yet, they have no market leverages on the regulation of prices.

“In the majority of countries, restaurants sell national wines at accessible prices, in order to promote the consumption of national beverages. In Moldova, because of the high prices on wines, clients have to choose between vodka, beer and other beverages. Under such conditions, Moldova cannot promote itself as a wine-making country. The State should involve in the process of wine promotion, instead of asking other markets to accept the national produce," he said.