A shortage of raw milk remains one of the main challenges for local cheese producers. For Shvanre, the shortage prevented the company from carrying out its export plans this year and, at certain periods, made it difficult to meet demand in the domestic market, founder Nona Ansiani said on BMGTV’s “Women’s Narrative” program.
“We planned to export our products this year, but due to the shortage of raw materials, we could not implement this plan. At certain periods, supplying the domestic market was also problematic, as the available volume of raw materials was not sufficient to fully meet demand,” Ansiani said. She added that finding professional staff, particularly qualified workers in the regions, is another major challenge for the company.
According to Ansiani, Shvanre also faces competition from products that are not made from raw milk. She said it remains difficult for consumers to distinguish between products made from natural raw milk and those produced from milk powder. “Unhealthy competition remains a challenge because these products are not yet clearly differentiated,” she said.
Ansiani said a meeting involving businesses has already been held at the Rural Development Agency, where companies were introduced to an initiative envisaging separate retail spaces and distinct labeling for products made from raw milk. She said the meeting was introductory, with specific steps expected to be taken by the end of the year, while the company expects the changes to become more tangible from next year.
