We have a 25% increase in sales this year compared to the first quarter of last year, - Mikheil Chigladze, founder and CEO of the Georgian natural honey production company "Hobby", spoke to BM.GE about this.
According to him, demand is growing from year to year. As the founder of the company says, in 2021, when they first appeared on the market, their sales amounted to 10 tons of honey annually, and in 2024, the company sold 60 tons of honey and received more than half a million GEL in revenue.
"In 2023, our revenue amounted to 280,000 GEL, and in 2024 we have already exceeded half a million GEL. In addition, it is noteworthy that this year has also started at a particularly good pace," - Chigladze states.
"Hobby" is actively represented in the local market. The company's honey is sold in chain stores, including Ori Nabiji, Fresco, Universam, Europroduct, and Madagon, as well as in several small stores.
The company offers customers both traditional (jar format) and non-traditional (packaged) honey. According to Mikheil Chigladze, demand for both formats is growing, which is due to consumer trust and product quality: "Our honey undergoes strict quality control, and this is what creates trust with consumers. Buying honey from us is related to quality, which directly affects sales," he said.
The company currently owns 1,200 hives located in the high-mountainous villages of Racha and Imereti, which gives the product unique taste and healing properties. The assortment includes acacia, mixed, and chestnut honey.
Although the company is already actively working in the export direction and is also registering growing interest from foreign partners, the priority remains to fully satisfy the local market.
“It is important for us to first supply our country with quality honey, and then develop exports,” Mikheil Chigladze noted.
