Georgian craft beer producer Bayo Brewery is preparing to export its products for the first time, targeting Finland and Lithuania by the end of the year. Co-founder Giorgi Maruashvili told BM.GE that the company has recently expanded production significantly, tripling output over the past three months. This growth has attracted the attention of two foreign importers, who are now in active negotiations with the brewery.
According to Maruashvili, discussions are focused on finalizing volumes and financial terms, with the first shipment expected to consist of about 2,000 bottles. He added that both importers aim to introduce Bayo Brewery’s craft beers to their respective markets before the start of Christmas festivities, which would mark the brewery’s first-ever international sales.
The company is currently evaluating different cooperation models with its potential partners. Options include either producing small monthly batches or supplying larger quantities at longer intervals. While retail pricing abroad will be determined solely by the importers, Maruashvili noted that the beer is expected to be positioned primarily within the local HoReCa sector in both Finland and Lithuania.
The brewery’s export plans come at a time when Georgia’s overall beer exports are declining. Official data shows that the country exported 4.7 million liters of beer worth USD 5.6 million in the first ten months of 2025, down from 5.9 million liters valued at USD 7 million during the same period in 2024. Despite this trend, Bayo Brewery hopes its entry into new European markets will support future growth and enhance the visibility of Georgian craft beer abroad.
