Irma Kvachantiradze, the executive director of the Georgian traditional sweets "Chirchkhela", told BM.GE that due to the current political situation in Georgia, the Israeli partner had suspended export negotiations with the company and closed the project.
"Chirchkhela" started negotiations on the exports to Israel early this year. The plan was to export 20 tons of dried fruits to Israel, however, due to the current political situation in the country, the Israel side categorically refused to cooperate with the company.
“The tense political situation in Georgia directly affected our business. They told us that “due to the situation in the country, they could not take their products at this stage. We are not importing the product because we do not know what will happen in the future. They were very clear, noting that Israel is a country with a European vision. As a result, the project has been closed at this stage," says Kvachantiradze.
The company's CEO adds that Chirchkhela has small exports to the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Dubai. The management of "Chirckhela" categorically refuses to sell the product in Russia.
"We had a number of offers from Russian organizations, but at the very beginning of the business, we refused this market.
Even when we went to exhibitions, we had a sign at the table that said 20% of our country is occupied by Russia and we offer a 20% discount to non-Russian customers," - Irma Kvachantiradze said.
According to Kvachantiradze, the company was planning to expand, but the unstable situation in the country put almost everything on hold. As a result, the company considered the expansion plans risky and temporarily postponed them.
In addition, according to the company's CEO, grant programs are currently suspended, therefore, they cannot participate in competitions.
