Blueberry production in Georgia is growing at a rapid pace

Tsukoshvili emphasizes the necessity for Georgia’s blueberry industry to reduce its dependence on the Russian market, which has historically comprised 90% of exports. This reliance resulted from issues like inefficient post-harvest practices and limited agricultural knowledge. The Georgia Blueberry Growers Association (GBGA) aims to diversify by entering new markets, and in 2023 and 2024, it successfully expanded into the EU, significantly increasing export volumes while reducing exports to Russia.

Looking ahead, Tsukoshvili notes a focus on established blueberry varieties. Major growers are investing in innovative methods to extend the harvest season and boost yields, including tunnel and pot production systems and Sekoya varieties. Collaborations with international companies are bringing in expertise and capital, helping Georgian Sekoya blueberries reach global markets.

These investments allow producers to meet rising global demand while improving quality and availability. The Georgian government and organizations like USAID provide substantial grants for agribusinesses, targeting areas such as planting and cold storage, and offering financial support for participation in international trade shows.

Tsukoshvili highlights their commitment to enhancing fruit quality through collaboration with agronomists from countries like Portugal and Chile. More growers are pursuing food safety certifications like GlobalGAP and GRASP to tap into the European market. However, to maximize these opportunities, awareness of Georgian blueberries in Europe needs to be raised, particularly about their availability starting in mid-May.

He also points out that blueberry prices are fluctuating globally due to climate-related factors. While prices in the EU tend to be stable, they can drop when Georgia’s harvest coincides with those of major producers like Spain, Morocco, and Serbia.