Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariami Kvrivishvili, says that the number of taxes imposed by chain supermarkets significantly affects food prices in the country. According to her, while the state has six types of taxes, chain markets apply as many as nine different charges, costs that ultimately influence final retail prices.
Kvrivishvili explained on Rustavi 2, during a debate dedicated to food price formation, that the government conducted a detailed analysis to identify the factors contributing to rising prices. The findings showed that approximately 86% of the price increase occurs from the border until the product reaches the shelf, with nine specific cost components directly contributing to the markup. She added that the process of studying the issue was fully transparent, involving all stakeholders in the supply chain.
According to the minister, the heavy cost burden within supermarket networks also reduces the presence of Georgian-made products on store shelves. She noted that one of the speakers in the debate correctly emphasized that the additional taxes and charges imposed by retail chains make it harder for local producers to supply their goods competitively.
Kvrivishvili stressed that the government’s priority is the well-being of the population and that the administration seeks a balanced, open dialogue with industry players to find solutions that will reduce prices and support the development of local production. “Our goal is to ensure that products become more affordable and that more Georgian-made goods appear in chain supermarkets,” she said.
