In the first quarter of 2026, Georgia exported 400 kg of locally produced honey worth $17,300, according to official trade data. The average export price rose sharply to $43 per kilogram, up from $12 in the same period last year. The UAE was the main market, importing 200 kg worth $11,400, followed by Hong Kong with 100 kg worth $5,800. Exports to Russia were minimal, totaling just $100.
Nearly the entire export volume this year came from Tpeli, the company behind Georgia’s premium Jara honey. Co-founder and director Mariam Morchadze says the high export price reflects the product’s exceptional quality. “This is not ordinary honey. It is bio-certified and essentially the only one of its kind in Georgia. It is also wild honey harvested from traditional wooden log hives, which requires significant physical labor,” she told bm.ge.
Morchadze highlighted the challenges of entering international markets, particularly in the EU and Asia, where strict testing and certification are required. Some laboratory tests needed for export are not available in Georgia, forcing companies like Tpeli to conduct analyses abroad, including in the UK.
She added that the EU still lacks familiarity with Georgian honey, which creates additional scrutiny. Bio-certification is crucial, as both the beekeeping association and the exporting company must be certified to access the EU market. Asian markets are somewhat easier to enter, though they also enforce several technical requirements. Tfeli plans to begin exporting to the United Kingdom in the near future.
