Tangerines Export to Increase in Ukraine and Armenia

The citrus season is now in its active phase, and tangerines remain one of the most important export products for Georgian agriculture. The orange vintage starts at the end of November and continues until December. The Minister of Agriculture, Lasha Komakhidze, talked about the statistics and results of the Adjaran orange vintage and answered the questions.

Mr. Komakhidze, what is the current situation concerning the orange vintage?

Statistics show that 21,000 tons of tangerines have been exported, and 9200 tones are already cultivated.

What are the statistics compared to last year; what is the comparative analysis?

Last year, there were 9000-9500 tons of tangerines cultivated, and this year we already exceeded 9200 tones. It is difficult to make a prediction but I think it might be 11,000 or 12,000 tones; however, as I already mentioned, it is difficult to predict the exact data.

Are cultivated tangerines exported efficiently?

The concentration export model works very well. There are two factories in this field. “GM Group” is one of the largest factories which collaborate with big international companies, and it is currently cultivating an agreement with Japan. It has also made partnerships with the Netherlands, Italy and France.

Which are the major countries importing tangerines from Georgia?

This year, 55% of the export is going to Russia, 30% to Ukraine, and we have good news that we entered the new markets of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Poland.

It has to be noted that exports to Ukraine has increased by 65%. It is also important that exports to Armenia tripled compared to last year. Therefore, there are positive trends considering export.

The export of tangerines will take place mainly in January but smaller quantity will be exported in February and March. (cbw.ge)