Georgian Fruit Export Growth and Global Market Opportunities

2024 has been an exceptional year for Georgia’s agricultural exports, reaching a record-breaking $1.68 billion—a 17% increase compared to 2023. Even more notably, locally produced agricultural goods (excluding re-exports) accounted for $1.38 billion, demonstrating Georgia’s growing capacity to establish itself as a strong player in global agricultural markets.

Key Export Sectors: Beverages & Fruits Drive Growth

A significant share of Georgia’s agro-export success in 2024 came from beverages and fruit, with more than half of total agricultural exports coming from alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The combined value of spirits, wine, mineral, and carbonated beverages reached $876 million, marking a 24% year-on-year growth—a remarkable feat given the fierce competition from France, Italy, and Spain in the premium wine and beverage sector.

Georgia solidified its presence in traditional markets like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan while also gaining a stronger foothold in the EU market, particularly in wine and hazelnuts. Although Russia remains the largest destination for Georgian wine, Poland has emerged as a key importer within the EU. Meanwhile, hazelnuts have become Georgia’s leading export to Europe, with $63.7 million worth of hazelnuts exported to the EU market—a clear sign of Georgian products’ competitiveness in high-income European markets.

Fruit Exports Surge, Unlocking New Opportunities

The fruit sector saw impressive growth, with exports reaching $236 million, a 14% increase over 2023. Hazelnuts remain the top fruit export, contributing $100.7 million to total exports. However, demand for blueberries, peaches, and nectarines is also on the rise, collectively accounting for approximately $56 million in exports.

Notably, two non-traditional export products—processed fruits and bay leaves—experienced unprecedented growth:

• Processed fruit exports (mainly hazelnuts and pistachios) surged by 80%.
• Bay leaf exports nearly doubled with a 94% increase.

Bay leaves, in particular, have emerged as a high-potential export commodity, with China and Russia being the main buyers. China alone imported 80% of Georgia’s bay leaf exports, highlighting growing opportunities for Georgian agricultural products in Asian markets.

Future Growth & Strategies for Global Expansion

Georgia’s 2024 export performance demonstrates its strong position not just in regional markets but also in the global trade landscape. However, to ensure sustainable growth, the country must:

1. Expand into new international markets to reduce dependence on traditional buyers.
2. Diversify product offerings by investing in high-value processed agricultural goods.
3. Enhance competitiveness through quality improvements, branding, and certification.
4. Strengthen agro-processing industries, particularly in fruit preservation and hazelnut processing, to increase profitability and create value-added products.

By focusing on innovation and diversification, Georgia can further solidify its presence in global agricultural markets, ensuring long-term economic stability and increased export revenues.