Georgia Sees Surge in Blueberry Exports, Reveals Interim Report

This report forms part of a broader effort to scrutinize competitive conditions across various sectors of the Georgian economy, focusing on key market dynamics, barriers to entry, and the overall health of competition.

Initiated on June 30, 2023, this particular study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by blueberry farmers in marketing their produce and the competitive landscape of this burgeoning industry. Between 2020 and 2023, approximately 50 Georgian companies ventured into blueberry export, predominantly targeting the Russian Federation, which absorbed over 90% of these exports. The report notes a shift from a low concentration of exports across a wide range of companies towards a moderately concentrated market in 2023.

The volume of blueberries exported from Georgia has seen a significant uptick. The figures soared from 654.9 tons in 2020 to 3,412.8 tons in 2023, marking a 500% increase. This growth is mirrored in the value of the blueberries exported, jumping from 11.3 million GEL in 2020 to an impressive 53.9 million GEL in 2023, evidencing a 475% rise.

The market share held by the top five exporting companies fluctuated between 43% to 65% over the examined period. The absence of a single dominant player in the market, as well as a lack of collective dominance, suggests a competitive environment with no significant barriers to entry for new firms.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Agency plans to continue its detailed monitoring of the blueberry sector, with a comprehensive report expected in 2024. This blueberry market review is part of a series of analyses undertaken by the agency in 2023, which includes studies into the banking insurance market and the liquid and natural gas market, among others. Currently, the agency is conducting research into four key sectors: tobacco, motor fuel, blueberries, and nuts, aiming to foster a healthier competitive landscape across these industries.