Georgia expects around 80,000 tonnes of citrus this year, but at least 20,000–25,000 tonnes of export-quality mandarins may not reach foreign markets, says Agroinvest Service director Vazha Mkurnalidze.
Around 10,000 tonnes will go to canning factories and another 10,000 tonnes to the domestic market. Exporters face unpredictable demand and a tight sales window, with 80–90% of export citrus typically sold before December 27.
Mkurnalidze estimates export-quality mandarins could sell for GEL 1.20– GEL 1.30 per kilogram, but warns that oversupply may push prices down.
Meanwhile, citrus imports rose by 41.4% year-on-year to $12.8 million in January–September 2026. Turkey was the largest supplier, followed by Iran, South Africa, Egypt and the Netherlands.
