Insights on blueberry industry in Georgia: BIG Interview with Shota Tsukoshvili

CNFA Georgia refers to the operations of CNFA (Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture) in the country of Georgia. CNFA is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in the U.S., that specializes in agricultural development and economic growth initiatives. In Georgia, CNFA works to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and support rural livelihoods through various projects and programs. These initiatives often involve providing technical assistance, training, and capacity building to farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. CNFA operated the USAID agricultural program which lasted 5 years and completed in 2024.

Recently, Fructidor chatted with Shota Tsukoshvili, CNFA Georgia Value Chain Manager, who delved into the landscape of Georgia's agricultural sector and its blueberry industry. Mr. Tsukoshvili provided insights into Georgia's strategic shifts, advancements, and investments in blueberry cultivation, the development of modern agricultural practices, and the forecasted growth of the blueberry market.

Fructidor: You were present at Fruit Logistica Berlin. What were your objectives at this trade fair?

Shota Tsukoshvili: Trade fairs offer an unparalleled opportunity for direct engagement with potential buyers, suppliers, and partners. For us, establishing immediate contact with retailers, distributors, and wholesalers was pivotal. This approach facilitated the initiation of fruitful negotiations and the foundation of long-term relationships. Our primary goal was to connect with blueberry buyers, aiming to expand our market reach and foster new partnerships.

Fructidor: Georgia has invested a lot in planting new varieties of blueberries. How is the development?

Shota Tsukoshvili: Traditionally, Georgia hasn't focused on berries as a primary crop; blueberries represent a relatively new agricultural venture for the country. Fortunately, Georgia's entry into blueberry cultivation began with the latest varieties. This serendipitous timing means that the country benefits from advanced agricultural developments, allowing it to cultivate some of the best varieties available. This strategic advantage positions Georgia to potentially lead in quality and yield.

Fructidor: What is the window for Georgian blueberries, and what are the advantages of this product?

Shota Tsukoshvili: The Georgian blueberry season begins in open fields around May 20th, marking the country's entry into the market with its first harvests of the year. This timing offers a significant advantage, as Georgian blueberries reach the market when high-quality fresh blueberries are scarce, effectively facing little to no competition. This early window allows Georgia to capitalize on early market prices and establish a strong presence before other producers, like Serbia, start their production in the middle of June.

Fructidor: How well-equipped are the blueberry growers in Georgia? Do they have sorting lines?

Shota Tsukoshvili: Georgian blueberry growers are becoming increasingly well-equipped, thanks in part to significant support from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, along with international donor organizations such as USAID through its agricultural programs. This support encompasses a broad range of essential resources and infrastructure:

.Orchard Setup: Assistance in establishing and managing blueberry orchards with modern agricultural practices to ensure high productivity and sustainability.

.Cold Storage Facilities: Funding and technical support to build cold storage facilities, crucial for extending the shelf life of blueberries, maintaining quality during transportation, and ensuring that blueberries reach international markets in optimal condition.

.Sorting Lines: Investment in advanced sorting lines allows for efficient processing of blueberries by size, color, and quality. This not only improves product uniformity and appeal but also enhances the market value of Georgian blueberries.

.International Certifications: Guidance and financial aid to obtain international quality and safety certifications such as GlobalG.A.P. These certifications are often mandatory for entering European and other international markets, signaling compliance with the highest standards of agricultural production and product safety.

Fructidor: What are the forecasts concerning the production and export of blueberries in the next years?

Shota Tsukoshvili: The forecast for Georgian blueberry production is optimistic, with projections indicating an increase to 20 million kg by 2027.

Fructidor: What other fruits and vegetables do you export? What other fruits/vegetables are Georgians planting now?

Shota Tsukoshvili: Georgia is known for exporting a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, mandarins, peaches, nectarines, table grapes, potatoes, and herbs. This diverse agricultural output reflects the country's favorable climate and rich soil, which are conducive to growing a wide range of produce.

Fructidor: What markets are you already exporting to? What are your target markets for the following years?

Shota Tsukoshvili: Georgia exports a variety of agricultural products to the EU, Gulf countries, and CIS countries, targeting markets in the UK, Japan, and India. This strategic focus reflects Georgia's aim to diversify its export destinations and tap into markets with high demand for its produce.

Fructidor: What about import taxes when produce is sold to Europe?

Shota Tsukoshvili: Since June 27, 2014, Georgia benefits from the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union, and products produced in Georgia can enter the EU market without customs duty.

Fructidor: What about logistics from Georgia? What route for the ferry? How many days? What are the main companies for transport?

Shota Tsukoshvili: We have several options to deliver Georgian products to the EU: from Georgia through Turkey, where trucks enter Greece or Bulgaria; by sea, with a regular ferry service to Bulgaria and Romania. It takes 6 days for the journey to deliver fruits to northern Europe.

If you're looking for reliable blueberry suppliers in Georgia and worldwide, send your inquiry