This year, Georgia expects a harvest of 45,000 tons. According to the Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association (GHGA) , the hazelnuts in Western Georgia are almost harvested. In Kakheti, 60% of the crop has been collected and the process is still underway.
They say at the Associationm that the nuts price varies depending on the quality. "High quality nuts cost 7-8 GEL. The cost of low-quality nuts is 3- 3.5 GEL. It refers to a product whose degree of rotting exceeds the permissible norm.
The Association expects an increase in demand for Georgian nuts from export markets.
"Among the main exporters are Spain, Italy and Germany. Apart from that, we sell the product to Israel. China also shows interest in buying Georgian nuts. I think the demand for Georgian nuts will be high this year, because the Turkish market is experiencing big fluctuations and Europeans are searching for alternative sources. In addition, Italy's harvest volumes have been reduced , so the demand from it will be higher than usual," Merab Chitanava notes.
The Association Chairman talks about challenges faced by the nut sector associated with pests. In addition, this year for the first time a sudden wilting of hazelnut trees took place , which is being studied by the research center of the Ministry of Agriculture.
