Tornike Latatia, from the Association of Almond and Walnut Growers in Georgia, reports on recent frost impacts on almond yields in Shida Kartli. The frosts have affected orchards, with an anticipated 30-40% reduction in harvest volume. Despite this, forecasts suggest a production of approximately 3,500-4,500 tons, an increase of 25% from last year.
Latatia states, "This year, frosts were mainly in the Shida Kartli region and caused severe damage to almond orchards. On average, the harvest will drop by 30-40%, although we will probably know the exact amount in one month. We are expecting a harvest of about 3,500-4,500 tons, which is about 25% more than last year's harvest."
The market for almonds remains dominantly local, with 90% of the harvest consumed domestically, replacing earlier import reliance. The price dynamics are expected to shift, with almond kernels projected at 18-20 GEL and unshelled almonds around 4 GEL. Latatia notes that this may translate into better financial returns for growers under current forecast conditions.
Source: Commersant
