Lasha Papashvili, founder of dairy producer Kvarelis Baga, says that regulating food prices is a “multidimensional and delicate” issue. Speaking after the producers’ meeting with the government’s Price Commission, he noted that creating an effective regulatory framework “is not an easy task, but it is possible.”
According to Papashvili, potential room for lowering prices may lie in cheaper bank credit, negotiations with major global suppliers, and optimizing the number of retail chains. He stressed that different countries use different models to protect local production, but none of them is a perfect template for Georgia.
Papashvili added that price formation is influenced by many layers within the supply chain, including producers, distributors, and supermarkets. While he personally does not work directly with large retail networks, he believes that excessive competition and an oversupply of stores - sometimes five on the same street - raise operating costs and indirectly affect prices.
He suggested that 10–15 major businesses should be involved in shaping solutions, arguing that industry players understand the market best and can help the government identify realistic approaches for lowering prices without harming market participants.
