"Due to a decrease in egg imports, supermarket shelves are left empty," said Zurab Uchumbegashvili.
In recent days, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of eggs on the shelves of chain stores across the country. Zurab Uchumbegashvili, the head of the Poultry Development Association clarifies the situation and mentions that this product is not in deficit, but simply deliveries have hampered."
In his words, egg imports nationwide have declined, leading to empty supermarket shelves. Zurab Uchumbegashvili points out that 90% of the eggs produced in Georgia are sold domestically, with 10% coming from Turkey. In recent years, eggs have only been imported from Turkey.
According to Zurab Uchumbegashvili, all products imported from Turkey (standard and certified eggs) have been redirected to the US market. Consequently, there is an egg shortage in the Georgian market. Last year, the total import of products into the country stood at 60 million, but this year it has dropped to 10 million.
The head of the association also analyzes local production and notes that local enterprises have not reduced their output. Zurab Uchumbegashvili believes that Turkey's withdrawal from the market is a good thing as local production has the resources to meet the demand and cover the deficit
"We're not planning to raise egg prices this year, at least that's what the producers are saying. You know what's happening?! In previous years, a very large quantity of imports was coming into the country. This year, for various reasons, imported products haven't been arriving in large quantities.
As Sakstat reports, local businesses are producing more eggs than in previous years. In short, imported products haven't arrived, and that space on the shelves is empty. There's no egg shortage, but there is a slight deficit. You're well aware of the egg situation in the US: 1 egg costs around $1, and all Turkish products (standard and certified) are going to the American market. Furthermore, Turkey has introduced quotas on eggs and chicken, meaning the export of chicken meat and eggs to Turkey is being quotaed."
"The local market has not reduced its own production; we are operating as usual. Imagine – egg imports were 60 million, and this year they are 10 million. We cannot quickly replenish the market with the missing product, but it will be restored next year. We are set to increase production. Last year we produced 6 billion, now volumes exceeded 700 million eggs, with another month and a half to go... As for avian influenza, in this regard there is nothing particularly alarming or concerning ..." – states Zurab Uchumbegashvili.
The head of the Poultry Development Association discusses the issue of imports in detail and emphasizes that until now, local enterprises were concerned about unfair pricing, but the situation has changed.
"Imported goods were coming in at such low prices that it no longer made sense to increase production; we were just maintaining a certain level. It's a different story when you know that imports are not carried out, and you can ramp up production. We were afraid of unfair prices, which is why at this stage, imported goods were taken off the market. We have the resources to increase production, and we will start doing this next year. All of this will have a positive impact on local production," says Zurab Uchumbegashvili.
According to the latest international news, egg prices in the US have reached astronomical levels due to avian flu-related shortages and increased producer expenses.
