Creating 'Khibli': A Dive into Sustainable Business
In the heart of Gori district, an innovative enterprise has emerged with an emphasis on a circular economy, sustainability, and positive societal impact.
"Khibli", a forward-thinking initiative, is designed to be an energy-efficient and zero-waste production house, turning fruits and their by-products into healthful, natural goods for Georgia and beyond. Tamar Khiblishvili, the driving force behind 'Khibli', shares the intriguing story of the company's inception and its future aspirations in this exclusive interview with CBW.
When did the journey of "Khibli" begin?
Our adventure with "Khibli" was conceived in 2013, during a time when my family relied on social security. To support ourselves, we and our fellow villagers gathered wild fruits from the forest to sell at the break of dawn in Gori. Seeing an opportunity, I was inspired to establish an agribusiness in our village, Aten, that could provide a sustainable income source for locals. I travelled to Germany to explore the potential of dried fruit production in Georgia. Upon returning, we faced several challenges, including securing the necessary resources. However, in 2022, we received a grant of 30,000 GEL from "Make in Georgia," enabling us to launch a Haspi standard enterprise.
What products do you currently produce and what is your primary focus?
Currently, we offer a diverse range of dried fruits, including black plums, apples, persimmons, oranges, pears, bananas, kiwis, and other varieties. We also produce traditional Georgian delicacies, such as Churchkhela and Tlapi. We maintain a strong family ethos in our production, ensuring we create wholesome, natural products. To adhere to this philosophy, we abstain from using additives like sugar and sulfur. Our focus is on sourcing our raw materials from local farmers within the Gori district and across Georgia, further supporting the local economy.
Could you expand on your zero-waste philosophy?
We aim to leave no stone unturned in our drive to achieve a zero-waste production. We were producing fruit waste that was being discarded, which led us to develop an initiative to convert it into alcohol. However, this process still left some residual waste. That spurred us to devise a composting system to transform the remaining waste into a beneficial fertilizer, thereby achieving a more sustainable production cycle.
Could you share your experience with securing financial resources?
Securing funding was a significant challenge. Our first major financial breakthrough was a 30,000 GEL grant from "Produce in Georgia". In June 2022, we took part in the "Youth Entrepreneurship for Rural Development" project. Although we didn't clinch the top spot, the experience was invaluable. Our perseverance paid off when we bagged a second-place award in 2023, along with a grant of €7,500. This has facilitated the acquisition of a 420 kg drying machine, markedly enhancing our production capabilities.
What are the future plans for your enterprise?
Despite being operational for a mere ten months, we have made considerable strides with "Khibli". Our products are featured in various stores and tourist spots. At the moment, we employ two individuals from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and we aim to increase this number tenfold. We're working diligently to establish a robust presence within the Georgian market. Future plans involve conducting tourist masterclasses, showcasing wine tasting, honey production, and cherry picking. Our grand vision is to acquire our own land in Aten, where we can build a fully compliant enterprise and grow our own vineyards. This will enable us to expand our exports and strengthen Khibli's footprint in the global marketplace.