Joint performance of Macedonian wineries towards conquering new markets and successful distribution of Macedonian wines is the main conclusion of the Strategy for the Wine Sector, presented in Skopje on Tuesday as a marketing plan for wine export.

Analyses have shown that markets in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland and Poland have largest potential for successful distribution of Macedonian wines. Several parameters were taken into account, such as market size, wine consumption per capita, expected growth, possible barriers and market penetration, accessibility, acceptability of new wines and possible threats to the Macedonian wine.

According to the strategy, Macedonian wineries will unify through business associations, resulting in the promotion of the wines at targeted markets, along with the development of labels for geographic origin, and development of wine tourism. Netherlands is the first market where these joint activities will be launched this May, followed by the remaining markets by the year-end.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupco Dimovski said the joint performance of Macedonian wineries was of exceptional significance for successful distribution, which will largely improve export of wine as a strategic national product.

"Projects will be supported towards further enhancement of public-private partnership in this sector, resulting in the improvement of Macedonia's image as a country of wines. Last year was one of the most successful ones with regards to distribution of Macedonian wine, despite the economic crisis", said Dimovski.

Wine expert and strategy consultant Marco Tiggelman said the joint performance of Macedonian companies was the only way to conquer markets.

"The European wine market is very competitive and it is almost impossible for an individual winery to be successful. Therefore, this is the only way to conquer exporting markets", said Tiggelman.

According to Dutch Ambassador to Macedonia Marriet Schuurman, the whole world should learn about the quality of the country's wines.

"Numerous initiatives have been undertaken by individual wineries, but it is of crucial significance for the entire sector to work together if it wants to increase the exporting potential and competitiveness of Macedonian wines", added Schuurman.

The strategy was developed by experts from dozen of wineries, members of association "Wines from Macedonia", which take part with 90 percent in the total wine export, as well as experts from the Agriculture Ministry, supported by Dutch agency CBI and USAID's AgBiz program.