International confidence in Georgian hazelnuts is gradually recovering, with last year showing that Georgia can export virtually its entire harvest, according to GPR Nuts founder Baia Salukvadze.
She said Georgia is an important supplier on the global market, although Turkey remains the dominant producer, accounting for around 65-70% of global output. Negative perceptions of Georgian hazelnuts in some EU markets, shaped by past quality issues, are also slowly improving.
GPR Nuts currently sells Georgian hazelnuts in more than 30 countries. The company’s most stable markets are in the European Union, while exports also reach South America, Scandinavia and Asia.
Salukvadze said market diversification remains a key priority for the company, which seeks new sales channels each year and aims to strengthen the position of Georgian hazelnuts in international markets. She noted that last year’s rapid exports to the EU demonstrated the growing potential for Georgian producers.
