In September, in Georgia the prices of fruits dropped by 9.9% as compared to September 2017. Price decreases were observed on an annual basis for the following products: Plum (-35%), Kiwi (-32%), Apple (24%), Pear (-17%), Lemon (-16%) and Grapes (-14%).
According to data from the International School of Economics, such low prices for fruits compared to 2017 are likely linked to higher yields and seasonality.
Additionally, ISET describes 2017 to have been a low yielding season for Georgian agriculture. A drought in the summer caused unfavorable conditions and an increase in Asian Stink Bugs caused massive damage to the crops. As a result, production for the following fruits significantly decreased in 2017: Apple (-70%), Plum (-55%), Lemon (-53%), and Pears (-48%).
According to georgiatoday.ge, in 2018, more than 230,000 tons of grapes were recovered, an amount 72% higher than the previous year’s figure (134,000 tons).
