Key Takeaway
Georgia imported 3,517 tonnes of coffee worth USD 23.3 million in January-May 2026. Volume increased by 17.5% year on year, while value rose by approximately 12.6%. BTUAI’s verified calculation shows that the average import value fell from about USD 6,916 to USD 6,625 per tonne, a decline of 4.2%. This suggests partial relief after the 2025 price shock, but it does not mean café prices will automatically fall. Beans are only one part of the cost of a cup.
The real challenge for Georgian cafés is how to preserve affordability, quality and a sustainable margin while global prices remain volatile and local operating costs continue to matter.
More Coffee Entered Georgia, at a Slightly Lower Average Value
In the first five months of 2025, Georgia imported 2,993 tonnes worth USD 20.7 million. One year later, volume rose by 524 tonnes, while value increased by around USD 2.6 million.
Because volume grew faster than value, the average import value declined. This is a broad customs average, not the price of any specific bean, roast or brand.
The Global Market Has Eased, Not Stabilised
The International Coffee Organization’s composite indicator averaged 248.90 US cents per pound in June 2026, down 2.8% from May. Yet prices also rebounded by 17.4% from an early-June low by the end of the month.
For Georgia, a fully import-dependent market, this volatility continues to enter the local supply chain through procurement, freight and exchange rates.
Supply Is Concentrated
Indonesia supplied 1,602 tonnes, approximately 45.6% of Georgia’s imported volume. Vietnam supplied 733 tonnes, Russia 421 tonnes, Italy 187 tonnes and Türkiye 95 tonnes.
The mix covers mass-market, roasted, branded, professional and premium products. Georgian cafés therefore need to analyse their own procurement basket rather than rely on the national average.
A Cup Contains an Operating System of Costs
A café finances beans, milk, water, labour, rent, energy, cups, equipment, maintenance, payment fees, taxes and waste from one menu price.
A 4.2% decline in average import value may be outweighed by higher wages, rent, milk, energy or packaging. Cost management must therefore begin with full recipe-level accounting.
Turnover Is Growing, but Turnover Is Not Profit
Food-service turnover rose from GEL 500.5 million in Q1 2025 to GEL 571.3 million in Q1 2026, an increase of 14.1%. Employment rose from 24,431 to 26,110, or 6.9%.
The data points to a larger market, but does not isolate café profitability. Revenue can rise because of inflation, tourism, new outlets or delivery services.
The Market May Split More Clearly
One segment will compete on affordable everyday coffee: speed, consistency and a clear price. Another will sell a premium experience: distinctive beans, preparation, service, design and atmosphere.
The most exposed cafés are those moving into premium prices without delivering premium value.
Local Roasting and Regional Exports Are Emerging
Georgia exported 308 tonnes of coffee worth USD 1.6 million in January-May 2026, compared with 92 tonnes worth USD 692,000 one year earlier. The customs-based source reports value growth of 132.7% and volume growth of 234.7%.
Exports still represented only around 6.9% of import value, but the growth supports opportunities in roasting, private labels, hospitality blends and regional distribution.
An Illustrative Georgian Mini-Case
Consider a small café selling 180 cups a day. The manager sees a lower average import value and freezes all prices. But milk, rent and wages increase, while equipment problems raise waste.
The correct response is not a blanket price rise or freeze. It is recipe-level costing, an affordable core product, better explanation of premium value and control of hidden losses.
What Georgian Cafés Should Do
- Calculate the full cost of every drink.
- Keep at least one affordable everyday option.
- Avoid dependence on one supplier or origin.
- Measure dose, milk, equipment and menu-related waste.
- Explain origin, freshness, preparation and service value.
- Build recurring demand through loyalty and subscriptions.
- Develop revenue beyond the cup.
BTU Researchers’ Assessment
According to BTU researchers, the main change is not simply a higher coffee price. It is a more demanding café business model.
The strongest operators will know the cost of each cup, protect an affordable offer, reduce waste and communicate premium value clearly. Local roasting and regional exports are promising, but still small relative to imports.
Key Findings
- Coffee import volume increased by 17.5%, while value rose by approximately 12.6%.
- The average import value fell by 4.2% to about USD 6,625 per tonne.
- Indonesia accounted for approximately 45.6% of imported volume.
- Food-service turnover increased by 14.1% and employment by 6.9%.
- A lower import average does not guarantee lower café prices.
- The market is likely to divide more clearly between affordable and premium formats.
- Export growth supports local roasting opportunities, though the export base remains small.
Why This Matters for Georgia
Coffee shows how global commodity prices, freight, the lari exchange rate, local wages and rent combine in an everyday Georgian product.
The issue matters for small business, tourism and tens of thousands of food-service jobs, while also creating opportunities for local roasting and branding.
Conclusion
The 2026 data shows partial easing in average import value, not the end of price risk.
For Georgian cafés, the practical response is precise costing, segmented pricing, diversified suppliers, lower waste and a clearer value proposition.
Data and Main Sources
- National Statistics Office of Georgia – Activities of Enterprises, Q1 2026.
- Geostat customs data reported by BM.GE – coffee trade, January-May 2026.
- International Coffee Organization – Coffee Market Report, June 2026.
- BTUAI Research Team calculations and Georgia-focused interpretation.
This material is analytical and educational in nature. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Professional advice should be obtained before making a specific decision.
Prepared by the academic team of Business and Technology University and the BTUAI Research Team, Tbilisi, Georgia.