Georgia has opened another export destination for its agricultural sector, with Uzbekistan officially approving imports of Georgian hazelnuts, almonds and citrus fruits following the completion of a phytosanitary risk assessment. The agreement was reached between Georgia’s National Food Agency and the relevant Uzbek authorities. The two sides are also planning joint inspections of agricultural production areas and facilities preparing products for export.
Tornike Latatia, founder of the Almond and Walnut Producers Association, said Uzbekistan’s population of around 40 million makes it an attractive market, particularly given strong demand for nuts, including almonds. Georgian producers carried out a pilot export of around 100 tonnes of almonds to Uzbekistan last year, while several larger contracts have already been signed for this year.
According to Latatia, Georgian producers have a logistical advantage over competitors from the United States and Spain, with shipments reaching Uzbekistan within 10 days to two weeks. He added that market-entry requirements are manageable for Georgian companies, including compliance with HACCP standards, obtaining an import permit and completing standard laboratory safety checks.
However, production volumes remain a challenge. Due to unfavorable weather and difficult climatic conditions, Georgia is expected to harvest around 4,500–5,000 tonnes of almonds this year, below earlier expectations. Harvesting has also been delayed, with only around 10–15% completed so far. Despite the lower yield, Latatia said the country’s established almond industry and raw-material base should allow producers to supply both the domestic market and planned export markets.
