Georgia’s citrus season is beginning with optimistic expectations for both yield and exporting prospects. Kakha Shavadze, founder of Adjara Trading Group, says the 2025 tangerine harvest is projected to reach 60–65 thousand tons, a significant improvement over last year. He notes that the quality of fruit is currently high, with hopes that favorable weather conditions will ensure a successful ripening period.
According to Shavadze, while Georgia’s export geography has not expanded dramatically, there is positive movement in one direction - Uzbekistan. “The Uzbek market has revived a little. There used to be bureaucratic barriers, but now the Uzbek side has simplified import procedures for our produce. We expect increased exports there this season,” he said, adding that stronger marketing efforts and diplomatic support could help Georgian citrus reach even more international markets.
Meanwhile, the citrus picking season has officially started, and a coordination headquarters has been opened in Kobuleti to manage the process. More than 20 processing plants are ready to receive export-quality mandarins, while two canneries will process non-standard fruit for industrial use.
To support farmers, the Ajara government has once again introduced a subsidy for non-standard mandarins, setting the rate at 35 tetri per kilogram, with processing plants adding an additional 5 tetri, bringing the total purchase price to 40 tetri. This measure aims to stabilize the market and ensure that even lower-grade fruit is profitably utilized during the harvest season.
