Large-Scale Exports of Blueberries to the EU and UK Result from Program Connecting Overseas Buyers

Approximately 500 tons of blueberries have been exported to the European Union, Great Britain, and Dubai as part of a program designed to connect foreign buyers with Georgian producers.

A portion of the products has already reached export markets. This initiative is a collaboration between the "Make in Georgia" agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Rural Development Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, and the USAID Agriculture Program.

An agreement regarding blueberry exports was signed between the Association of Blueberry Producers of Georgia and the company Wonderland Farms. Under this agreement, member companies of the association will deliver products to various networks in the European Union, Great Britain, and Dubai markets.

The "Make in Georgia" agency's foreign buyer contact program aims to identify potential buyers and connect them with Georgian manufacturers. In 2022-23, the agency collaborated with the local agro-sector, and from 2024, its target sectors include the textile industry (clothing, footwear, leather products, accessories, and jewelry), packaging materials, toys, animal and poultry feed additives, and veterinary products.

Companies participating in the program can benefit from various services, including marketing support (market research, customer and competitor analysis, market penetration strategy, and identification of international buyers). These services aim to promote the sales of their products in foreign markets and ensure correct positioning. Participants will also receive workshops on presenting their products on the international market, connecting with buyers, and increasing sales.

It is noteworthy that within the framework of the state program "Introduce the Future," and with the support of the Rural Development Agency, 2,864 hectares of blueberries were planted between 2015 and 2024. State co-financing amounted to 50.4 million GEL. From May 1 to July 7, 2024, 4.3 thousand tons of blueberries were exported, valued at 25.5 million US dollars. Compared to the same period last year, the volume of exported blueberries increased by 1.7 thousand tons (68%), and the value by 9.9 million US dollars (63%).