The Circulation of Georgian Agri-Food Products in Europe

Georgia has once again demonstrated that the agri-food sector remains one of its strongest export domains. According to data released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, in the first quarter of 2025, exports of agri-food products to the European Union reached USD 56.9 million—marking a 19% increase compared to the previous year. This expansion highlights a consistent upward trend in demand for Georgian agricultural goods in the EU market, rather than a temporary spike.

Several products have played a particularly notable role in driving this growth. Hazelnuts remain the leading export, with revenue surpassing USD 19 million—a 37.68% year-on-year increase of USD 5.2 million. This is not just a statistical gain—hazelnuts continue to be one of the most vital products for the regional farming sector, now enjoying significant traction across European markets.

An especially remarkable development has been the 307.14% increase in the export of fruit and vegetable juices. This reflects not only the diversification of Georgian production but also the growing interest among European consumers in natural, eco-friendly, and healthy beverages. In Germany alone, exports in this category increased by USD 4.3 million, reaching a total of USD 5.3 million. This clearly shows that a targeted approach to key markets can yield highly successful results.

Against this backdrop, wine exports have also shown confident growth. An increase of USD 2.3 million indicates that Georgian wine is experiencing rising demand not only in traditional markets such as Russia and China, but also within the European Union. Overall, wine exports reached USD 11.2 million—a 25.84% year-on-year increase.

Looking at individual countries, Germany remains Georgia’s most important EU export market, with a 43% growth rate. In Italy, exports more than tripled, reaching USD 5.9 million—largely driven by the expansion of hazelnut shipments.

It’s also noteworthy that wine exports to China grew by USD 1.2 million, totaling USD 3.2 million. This indicates a broader global trend, showcasing Georgian products’ growing potential not only regionally, but also internationally.

This expansion into EU markets is more than just a numerical achievement—it is the result of policy efforts aimed at aligning Georgian agri-products with European regulatory standards. When a product meets EU requirements in terms of quality, packaging, and safety, it gains a real chance to compete effectively in the marketplace.

Therefore, this is not merely an economic statistic for Georgia. It represents a tangible outcome of national agri-policy and deepening economic integration with Europe. Strategic development of agriculture, support for traditional crops, and the establishment of a modern processing sector all lay the groundwork for even greater export growth to Europe.

In summary, Georgia’s agri-food exports to Europe are not just a trend—they are a sign of strategic and sustainable growth, positioning the country as a strong international partner within one of the world’s most competitive markets.