Anano Bezhanishvili, founder of the dried fruit company "Chikori", told BM.GE that next year the company plans to increase production by up to 30%.
According to the company's director, the company is working on the production increase every year. As a result, Chikori's annual output currently amounts to 300 tons of dried fruits.
"We are represented in all chain stores in the Georgian market. We have about 15 types of products, including dried fruits covered with chocolate, which is quite a very popular product. In addition, we have a children's line, within which we offer snacks for children. We plan to grow by 20-30% next year, and we also plan to increase the number of employees.
In addition to the store, we have online sales, and customers can purchase the same products at a more affordable price. We also have a New Year's offer, within which we cooperate with b2b companies,” says Bezhanishvili.
As for the challenges, the company talks about the staff shortage, noting that finding qualified staff is still a problem in the region.
Chikori's products are exported to European countries: France, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. "Chikori" products can be purchased in "Carrefour", "Goodwill", "Agrohub", "Spar", "Nikora", "Ioli", "Europroduct", and other store chains and local markets.
"Chikori" has been operating on the Georgian market since 2015 in Kareli. The brand employs about 60 people and offers consumers the so-called healthy snack alternative.