Camille Bloch Invests $10M for Hazelnut Production in Georgia

Swiss chocolatier Camille Bloch starts implementing the project of planting 650-hectare hazelnut orchard in Georgia in January 2020. 

According to the agency Produce in Georgia, the total price of the investment is over $10 million.

Camille Bloch is a family-owned and operated chocolate and hazelnut business. The company was founded in Switzerland in 1929. Its main brands are Ragusa and Torino.

Hazelnuts processed and produced in Georgia are planned to be used in making chocolate.

Within the frameworks of project implementation, CB Georgia LLC was established and selected the territory in the Lagodekhi Municipality for hazelnut plantation.

According to representatives of Camille Bloch, the project will be implemented in stages.

“We intend to plant the first 50 hectares with hazelnut trees in late January-early February 2021. We expect to add another 100 hectares in 2022. It will take about 6-7 years to fully implement our plans. It is necessary to equip the orchards and perform logistical work,” said Rene Meyer, head of procurement at Camille Bloch and director of CB Georgia, on the Business Partner show for Channel One.

The company has attracted local qualified personnel to work the land who are currently involved in the preparation of the territory.

“We are bringing in new knowledge. This should be combined with the knowledge of local specialists regarding specific soil conditions for hazelnut cultivation. All this needs to be connected. Together we can be successful,” said Jessica Gershkowitz, head of corporate communications at Camille Bloch.

Source: East-fruit