Meat prices in Georgia have risen noticeably in recent months, with both locally produced and imported meat becoming more expensive.
According to official data, the average importing price of meat increased by 6%, rising from $5.2 per kilogram in 2024 (excluding taxes) to $5.5 per kilogram in 2025. Local farmers also warn that further price increases may follow in the coming months.
Shota Burjanadze, Chairman of the Association of Restaurateurs, told BMG that the recent surge in meat prices has lasted longer than usual and is unlikely to reverse.
“From mid-August to late September, we usually see an increase in the price of local meat and a temporary shortage. But this year, that period lasted a little longer,” Burjanadze explained.
“Demand rises during the summer months, both from local consumers and tourists, especially in the HoReCa sector. The sad reality is that all of this ultimately affects the consumer. Retail meat prices have increased by about 7–8%, which means the final product on the plate also becomes more expensive.”
Burjanadze emphasized that once prices go up, they rarely fall again.
“When prices increase, they do not fall back. I rarely remember a case where the increased price returned to the old level,” he said.
Although the fasting period and the decline in tourist numbers typically reduce demand for meat in autumn, Burjanadze noted that prices have remained stubbornly high.
“Now that fasting season has started, consumption is somewhat decreasing, and the number of tourists is lower too, but prices are not going down. This is the most troubling trend in our market,” he concluded.
