Georgian dairy producer Marita expects its product prices to increase by around 10% this winter as milk supplies decline and raw material costs rise. Company representative Keti Bolkvadze told BM.ge that the extent of further price increases will depend on milk availability and procurement prices.
According to Bolkvadze, the purchase price of raw milk has increased by GEL 0.10–0.20 per liter compared with last year. Marita has already raised its product prices by approximately 10%, although raw material costs have risen by 15–20%.
Seasonal shortages have reduced the company’s milk supply by around 25%, and the decline could reach 50% over the next month. Bolkvadze said milk availability typically falls during winter, putting additional pressure on production costs. She added that the shortage is also linked to a decline in the number of farmers, as rising livestock maintenance and feed costs make milk production less profitable.
Due to limited supplies, Marita is holding back on expanding its product range and focusing on its best-selling items, including Imeretian cheese, mint-flavored cheese and sulguni. The company is also postponing plans to enter supermarket chains, citing retail markups that would significantly increase final prices. Marita currently sells its products through its own online channels and directly to customers.
