Beef prices in Georgia have risen sharply in recent months, with the private sector reporting an increase of around 15% in just two months. Official data from Geostat shows that meat and meat product prices rose by 4.1% year-on-year in September. However, industry representatives say the real pressure is much stronger in the beef segment due to a shortage in the domestic market caused by rising exports.
According to Bidzina Gonashvili, founder of Tseti, the price of chilled beef, which previously stood at GEL 19 per kilogram, has now climbed to GEL 22 or higher. He explained that large volumes of exports reduced local supply, creating scarcity and driving prices upward.
Gonashvili added that imports are helping to prevent an even sharper price spike. “Since our production is limited, imported products are filling the deficit. Without them, prices for local beef would be even higher,” he noted.
Geostat figures highlight the structural issue: as of 2024, domestic meat production covers only 47% of Georgia’s consumption needs, leaving the market heavily dependent on imports to stabilize prices.
