A new dried fruit brand, Kesi, has been launched in the village of Mejvriskhevi near Georgia's occupation line in Gori Municipality. The brand is backed by fruit processing company PM Group, which has invested more than GEL 1 million in the project and plans to begin commercial sales in September.
The company produces a range of products, including dried fruit, chocolate-coated dried fruit, fruit leather, and Churchkhela. Founder and Director Davit Mechiauri said Kesi's key selling point will be its all-natural ingredients, with products made without added sugar or preservatives. Instead, the products are packaged in nitrogen to extend shelf life while preserving quality.
Mechiauri said the company's primary focus is exports, with negotiations already underway for shipments to the United States, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Russia. At the same time, Kesi products will also be available in Georgian retail chains, where distributors have already expressed interest.
The factory mainly processes fruit purchased from local farmers, with priority given to producers living near the conflict zone. Equipped with advanced technology, including one of only two freeze-drying machines currently operating in Georgia, the company also plans to begin producing freeze-dried fruit. PM Group expects to invest a similar amount in future expansion and increase employment from the current 10–12 workers to around 30 as production reaches full capacity.
