Almond plantations, which first appeared in Georgia some six years ago, currently amount to 4,000 hectares. In the coming days, Georgian growers are preparing to start harvesting their nuts.
According to the head of the Association of Almonds and Walnuts, Tornike Lataria, there are three large almond companies in Georgia that use new technologies in their business, while there are small growers that work following less intensive and old methods as well.
Lataria: “As for export markets, Georgia is interested in Germany, England, Switzerland, Italy. Switzerland is a country with high purchasing power and the most dependent on imports. The Persian Gulf countries with which we work are also quite promising. Turkey, which imports $120 million worth of almonds a year also provides great opportunities.”
He predicts this year’s harvest to reach 2,000 tons, although he is aware that the picture will be much clearer around September 20.
Source: east-fruit.com