Lasha Rizhamadze, head of the Distributors’ Business Association, says the newly launched state website ekalata.gov.ge is not sufficient on its own and expects more systemic reforms to follow. The platform, developed as part of the “Price Commission” work, allows consumers to compare prices of basic goods across different supermarket chains.
Rizhamadze, who also participated in the commission, stressed that the current outcome should not be seen as the conclusion of its work. According to him, the distribution sector and local producers have long been calling for deeper regulatory changes that would introduce fair trading conditions in the market.
He said alignment with international practices, particularly EU directives, is necessary to ensure long-term price stability. Rizhamadze added that key issues such as payment deadlines, limits on so-called retro bonuses, and rules for shelf access remain unresolved and require a legal framework.
He also noted that after the commission sessions ended, communication between the government and the private sector has largely stalled. The Competition Agency recently launched ekalata.gov.ge, which presents comparative prices for essential goods across 12 retail chains as part of the broader policy discussions on food pricing in Georgia.
