The founder of “Nino’s Dried Fruits,” a Georgian traditional dried fruit producer, Nino Gabriadze, says that rising raw material costs have significantly increased production expenses, particularly due to more expensive imports and locally sourced ingredients.
According to official data, dried fruit imports have also become more expensive. While last year one kilogram cost around $1.28, it now reaches $3.14, reflecting a sharp increase in import prices that is also affecting local producers.
Gabriadze says that within her business, key ingredients such as walnuts have seen the most notable price increases, raising overall production costs. She estimates that input prices have risen by about 10–20% over the past year, though the company is trying to keep retail prices stable.
Despite higher costs, she notes that demand for the products has not decreased and continues to grow, especially during the summer tourist season in Adjara. The company operates in both retail and wholesale markets and is also considering expanding production in the future.
