Georgia can no longer be considered a minor player in the global blueberry industry. With approximately 3,000 hectares currently under cultivation, a number that has grown rapidly in recent years and continues to rise, the country is catching up to Germany and has already overtaken countries such as Portugal, France, and Italy, although it still lags behind leading European producers like Poland (12,400 ha) and Spain (4,890 ha, according to Faostat 2023).
The sector's rapid development was clearly demonstrated during Georgia's first National Blueberry Conference, held in Tbilisi in October 2023. The event was organized by Blue Garden, an agricultural consulting company connecting Georgian growers to international markets. Georgia also now has its own industry association, the Georgian Blueberry Growers Association (GBGA), which co-moderated the conference.
GeoOrganic's crop managers Irakli Basheleiahvili and Levan Katsiashvili tasting Georgian blueberries at the beginning of June 2025
International consulting services are increasingly being introduced to the country, especially from nations with decades of experience in blueberry cultivation. Recently, Italian expert Marco R. Butera, founder of BetterBerries, stated on this media platform that he is actively working in Georgia. According to him, Georgia holds one of the highest potentials for blueberry production within Europe. Butera noted that, thanks to government support and USAID-backed programs, Georgia has managed to build an efficiently organized sector from scratch in a remarkably short period of time.
Investment requirements
According to data from local farmers compiled by the Georgian Farmers' Association (GFA), planting blueberries in open fields requires an average investment of €30,000 to €34,000 per hectare. In tunnel-protected cultivation, the cost rises to around €85,000 per hectare. Pot-based production, which is mainly used in eastern Georgia, is considered even more capital-intensive, ranging between €145,000 and €170,000 per hectare.
The blueberry boom in Georgia is not only driven by favorable climate and soil conditions, but also by a promising export window, from mid-May to mid-July. This allows Georgian producers to partially avoid direct competition with Spain, Morocco, and Poland. Despite this, the majority of Georgian blueberry exports, which have grown by an average of 70% annually since 2020 (from €3.25 million to €24.05 million in 2024), are still directed to Russia (86% in 2024). This is not only due to geographic proximity but also often because of higher prices. However, the EU remains an attractive diversification target, offering producers more stable contracts and transparent terms.
In Part 7 of this series, we explored how the producer Colibri is investing in the future. Now, we shift our focus to its neighbor, GeoOrganics. The farm began planting blueberries in 2019 and currently operates 30 hectares, with an additional 10 hectares scheduled for planting in September.
Harvest time at GeoOrganics
Well-ventilated orchards
GeoOrganics is located in Imereti, a region in western Georgia with distinct advantages. "We begin harvesting blueberries 2–3 weeks earlier than other parts of the country, which gives us an excellent export window," say the farm managers Irakli Basheleiahvili and Levan Katsiashvili. According to them, the local climate offers another benefit: "There's nearly always a breeze here, which helps dry the plants quickly after rainfall and reduces the risk of disease. We only spray sulfur and iron twice per season."
Still, the wind can pose challenges. "This year, during one particularly windy night, we lost 20 tons of berries that fell to the ground," admits Irakli. Nonetheless, disease incidence is rare on their plots, in contrast to more mountainous areas where air circulation is limited.
Variety selection
GeoOrganics primarily focuses on early-ripening varieties such as Suziblue, Duke, and Blue Ribbon, all developed by U.S. breeder Fall Creek. Starting in September, the farm plans to add Valor® and Top Shelf. "These two ripen later, have better flavor, and still offer good yields," says Levan.
GeoOrganics grows Fall Creek varieties on 30 hectares, with an additional 10 hectares scheduled for planting in September
The company is also trialing the Sekoya series, but with some reservations: "The yield is relatively low, and the plants are too expensive for the Georgian market. We also want more precise information about their disease resistance."
Around 90% of the farm's harvest is considered premium quality and goes for export. In 2024, 10 tons were shipped to Germany. "The EU pays around €4.50 per kilogram," Irakli says. "It remains an attractive market because it offers stable contracts and guaranteed payment terms."
GeoOrganics has been GlobalG.A.P.-certified for the past three years. During the summer harvest, the farm employs around 25 Ukrainian women. "They're extremely fast and accurate," says Levan. For packing, the company uses a shared packhouse located in Samegrelo, which serves several growers, as well as facilities owned by neighboring producer Colibri.
For more information:
Giorgi Darchia (director)
GeoOrganics LTD
Bashi (Tskaltubo) – Georgia
Tel.: +995 555 91 37 37
[email protected]