“In order to effectively combat crop pests and diseases and, as a result, obtain a high-quality harvest, the National Food Agency calls on farmers not to purchase plant protection products in unorganized trade, to observe storage conditions and deadlines, as well as to take into account dosage and instructions for use,” the agency said in a statement.According to the body, within the framework of state control, special attention is paid to expiration dates, production, packaging, labeling, packaging, storage and sale conditions. The agency’s inspectors take and check samples of agrochemicals and pesticides in order to determine the quality of the preparations and their compliance with the legislation.In 2024, the agency carried out more than 720 state controls in specialized stores. Last year, 450 samples of pesticides and 50 samples of agrochemicals were collected and laboratory tested across the country. As a result of the controls, violations of labeling, packaging and wrapping rules, the sale of low-quality, expired and unregistered drugs, and activities without registration in the Register of Economic Activities and recognition as a business operator were identified. 123 business operators were fined for the identified violations.

1742903857

"We are proud to announce a very exciting partnership between Tskali Mtis • Water MTIS and one of the world's famous football clubs PSG - Paris Saint-Germain.Tskali Mtis has become the official regional partner of Paris Saint-Germain," Nana Janjgava wrote.According to Temur Chkonia, owner of Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia and McDonald's Georgia, this collaboration will offer consumers not only a premium drink, but also their own vision and support the development of sports and culture among young people.“We are delighted to sign a partnership between “MTIS” and “Paris Saint-Germain”. This collaboration will help us offer consumers not only a premium drink, but will also highlight our vision, now at the international level, to support sports, cultural development of young people, and innovations,” said Temur Chkonia.Water MTIS is a natural, mineral water, which is produced by the Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia company.

1742300479

According to the EU Delegation, the findings were derived from responses by up to 200 European companies operating in Georgia and it shows that businesses are facing challenges that could hinder long-term economic stability.“Georgia’s Business Landscape: Economic Growth Faces Political, Workforce and Structural Barriers Despite continued economic growth in 2023 and early 2024, businesses in Georgia are facing number of challenges, primarily driven by political uncertainty and workforce shortages, according to the newly released EU Business Climate Report Georgia 2024. The survey, conducted among up to 200 companies with European links, highlights concerns that could hinder long-term economic stability.Key Challenges Facing Businesses in GeorgiaThe report underscores three critical obstacles affecting businesses: Political Instability: The stalled EU accession process since June 2024, coupled with upcoming parliamentary elections, has impacted business environment –76.7 % of companies cite instability as a major concern Workforce Deficit & Skills Gap: Nearly half of surveyed companies report skills shortages leading to 5-40% underperformance, with an estimated annual GDP loss of 26%. Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Currency instability continues to challenge businesses in financial planning and investment decisions. Additionally, concerns over corruption and regulatory inefficiencies have been raised by businesses, particularly in relation to tax policies, public procurement, and the judicial system, further complicating the investment climate.One of the most important findings is the severe shortage of skilled labor, which has led to an annual income loss of 55.6 billion GEL across businesses. High emigration and mismatched education programs further worsen this issue. Despite its cost, investing in internal workforce training has shown a positive return for businesses proving that workforce development is a key driver of resilience.Impact of Workforce Shortage: GDP loss: -26% annually Value added shortfall: -21.2B GEL Unrealized business income: -55.6B GEL Meanwhile, while the EU remains Georgia’s largest trade partner, exports to the EU fell by 18% in 2023(Geostat figures), primarily due to: High compliance costs for EU standards Lack of accredited laboratories for European certification Limited understanding of regulatory frameworks among businesses Additionally, SMEs, despite showing growth, still struggle with low economic contribution, and their access to EU markets remains challenging.The report calls for accelerated judicial and education reforms to enhance business confidence. Education institutions must work closely with the private sector to align skills development programs with market needs. Meanwhile, improving economic policies and trade infrastructure will be crucial to sustaining Georgia’s EU market integration efforts.In conclusion, the findings of the EU Business Climate Report Georgia 2024 paint a complex picture. While economic growth continues, it is overshadowed by political uncertainties, workforce shortages, and trade barriers. To maintain momentum, Georgia must address these structural issues—particularly workforce development—to secure long-term stability and EU market access,” notes the information by the European Union Delegation to Georgia.

1741860642

The increase was observed in the production value of the business sector as well. In 4Q2024, production value equaled 23.5 billion GEL, which is 10.8% more year-on-yea.In 4Q2024, large businesses generated 67.6% of total turnover, while medium-sized businesses generated 14.9%, and 17.5% was generated by small businesses.A distribution was slightly different in case of total production value: 43.8% was on large businesses, 25.1% - on medium, and 31.1% - on small businesses.In 4Q2024, total purchases of goods and services carried out by enterprises equaled 33.2 billion GEL (year-on-year 8.6 percent more), while the purchase of goods and services for resale amounted to 18.8 billion GEL (year-on-year 0.6 percent less).In 4Q2024, the average number of persons employed in business sector equaled 811.8 thousand, which is year-on-year 3.8% more. Out of the total number of persons employed, 43.7% were female and 56.3% were male.Large businesses employed 41.7 percent of total number of persons, while 21.5 percent were employed by medium, and 36.9 percent - by small businesses.The total number of employees amounted to 764.2 thousands (year-on-year 3.0 percent more).The total personnel costs of enterprises equaled 5 536.6 million GEL (year-on-year 10.9 percent more). In 4Q2024, average monthly remuneration of employed persons equaled 2 367 GEL (170.8 GEL increase year-on-year) while remuneration of employed women specifically was 1 847 GEL (159.7 GEL increase year-on-year). Average monthly remuneration of employed persons by size of enterprises is as follows:⦁ Large business - 2 466 GEL⦁ Medium business - 2 750 GEL⦁ Small business - 1 969 GELIn 4Q2024, construction (20.5 percent), trade (18.6 percent), manufacturing (17.6 percent) and transportation and storage (9.5 percent) held the top four places in business sector by production value. Rest of sectors had 33.8 percent share.In 4Q2024, trade (wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles), manufacturing, and human health and social work activities led business sector by number of employees (accordingly with 28.5 percent, 11.3 percent and 9.2 percent share).However, enterprises engaged in construction activities (8.6 percent), transportation and storage (8.2 percent), information and communication (6.2 percent), and accommodation and food service activities (5.3 percent) had also a significant share.

1741258857

According to the document, as expected, branded retail chains grew at a higher rate than other formats. Branded retail chains revenues increased by 14.9% y/y to GEL 9.2bn, while other formats grew by 1.9% y/y to GEL 13.5bn in 2024 . As a result, the share of branded chains increased from 37.6% to 40.4% over 2023-24.The growth in branded chain revenue was mainly driven by geographic expansion. In 2024, c. 500 new stores were opened by branded retail chain companies, out of which c.350 were in regions, the rest in Tbilisi. As a result, number of stores in Tbilisi and regions became equal. Revenues of branded retail chains in the regions increased by 23.6% y/y, and in Tbilisi by 9.3% y/y resulting in slight decrease in Tbilisi’s share in total branded retail chains revenue from 58.9% in 2023 to 57.8% in 2024. G&T expects the high rate of expansion in the regions to continue in the future. According to our estimates, the most attractive regions for expansion are Adjara and Kvemo Kartli, and among the districts of Tbilisi, Saburtalo, Gldani, and Samgori.Daily Group has emerged as the new market leader, capturing a 27.5% share of the branded retail chains market and a 11.0% share of the total FMCG market. In 2024, several companies merged to form Daily Group Holding, including Foodmart Ltd (with brands Spar, Ioli, and Kalata), Daily Ltd, Gvirila Retail Ltd (brand name Gvirila), and Retail Group Ltd (Magniti). As a result, Daily Group now owns over 1,600 stores out of a total of 4,000. In 2024, Daily Group led the market with a 27.6% share of branded retail chains revenue, followed by 2-Nabiji with 17.0% and Nikora with 16.4%. The top 5 companies jointly accounted for 74.9% of the branded retail chains revenue, while the remaining 25.1% came from about 40 smaller retail chain companies. The share distribution is different in Tbilisi and the regions."We expect FMCG sector revenue to grow at an average rate of 8.0% over 2025-28, primarily driven by increased disposable income and purchasing power. Branded retail chains will continue to expand at a faster pace than other formats, supported by geographic expansion, assortment and format diversification, and other strategic developments. We forecast an average annual growth rate of 15.0% for branded retail chains over 2025-28 (compared to 23.3% growth over 2021-24), which will result in their market share increasing from 40.4% in 2025 to 52.0% by 2028", - the document reads.

1740562540

Here is the school community's translated statement in full:"We, the members of the BGA (British-Georgian Academy) school community, would like to express our displeasure regarding the sudden announcement of the dismissal of our founder and director – Mrs. Natia Janashia.We would like to emphasize that we work at the British-Georgian Academy precisely because we believe in the values of the Academy, which prioritize the best interests of the students over financial gain.Mrs. Natia, as the founder of this school, has established one of the country's leading and most successful educational institution. Her vision and goals for education are fully aligned with the principles that, in our deep belief, education should uphold.We would also like to express our concern regarding the process of appointing a new director, which was not conducted in consultation with the key members of the school community and was not carried out under conditions of transparency and fairness. Mr. Johan Van Lill has not gone through any of the selection stages required by the international standards (such as interviews with staff, teachers, students, and parents).For many years, the British-Georgian Academy has upheld international standards for staff selection and followed protocols designed primarily to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.We feel that we are on the verge of losing our director, with whom we have worked closely and meaningfully over the years.We, the teachers and other staff members of the Academy, are extremely disappointed by the expected changes and strongly express our wish to keep Mrs. Natia in her position as the school director," – the joint statement of the British-Georgian Academy staff reads. 

1739284804

Within the framework of state control, which involves determining the compliance of the wine technological process in enterprises with the requirements specified in the Georgian legislation, violations were found in 34 samples from 6 companies out of 154 samples from 28 inspected companies.Inspection control was carried out in 83 companies; violations were found in 37 samples from 16 companies out of 1,927 samples taken.Out of 459 samples taken from 74 companies inspected by the Agency's contractor companies Bureau Veritas LLC and SGS LLC, violations were found in 11 samples from 4 companies. The inspection process involves determining the conformity of a sample of alcoholic beverages submitted for certification with the lot.Domestic market control was carried out on the products of 78 companies; violations were found in 73 of the 136 samples taken.In addition, for the purpose of organoleptic testing of alcoholic beverages, the tasting commission of the National Wine Agency conducted 284 tastings. Out of 13,006 samples received, 12,383 samples were evaluated positively and 623 samples were evaluated negatively.According to the agency, quality control will continue in 2025 so that tens of millions of liters of Georgian wine meet international standards and demand for it increases even more.

1738922462

The Georgia-China Regional Cooperation serves as a dynamic platform that strengthens business ties between Georgia and China, fosters the development of innovative projects, and helps explore new market opportunities. The organization offers companies tailored business solutions, expertise in market entry, project development, international cooperation, and partner sourcing.Representative offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shandong Province provide prompt consultations and close communication, significantly simplifying business relations and promoting international cooperation. These offices enable member organizations to find reliable partners, overcome market entry barriers competently, and establish strong collaborations between businesses in both countries.It is also important to note that a foundation has already been established for cooperation between the Association and its partner financial institutions, Basisbank and BB Leasing, to foster bilateral relations and facilitate investments. This collaboration will support businesses in accessing financing and implementing Georgian-Chinese projects.The Association plays a critical role in promoting investments and enhancing cooperation in strategic directions to unlock the potential of the Middle Corridor and support economic development, thereby strengthening regional economies and fostering mutual success."Our mission is to help Georgian and Chinese businesses find each other, build valuable partnerships, and implement new projects. Our experience and deep knowledge of both countries' markets and cultures allow us to create an optimal environment for international cooperation that fosters growth and success for both sides," noted the founding member of the Association, Davit Chikovani.Representatives from business sectors interested in cooperation with China, including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, trade, management, services, and tourism, attended the presentation. The meeting aimed to introduce the organization, showcase its capabilities, better understand the needs of business organizations, and plan future collaboration perspectives.

1738319292

As of the Ministry, compared to the same period last year, the number of exported apples increased by 7.6 thousand tons (6 times), and the value - by 4.8 million USD (6 times).The main apple exporting country is Russia (9,026 tons). 60 tons of apples were exported to Kazakhstan, 21 tons to Turkey and 2 tons to Armenia

1738063421

According to him, freedom of business is one of the most important achievements that the country has had since 2012.“Freedom of business is one of the most important achievements that the country has had since 2012. Do you remember what was happening in our country before 2012? Practically, business was not left without racketeering. The only answer is freedom of business, regardless of political views, freedom of business will be fully ensured in our country," the Prime Minister said.Kobakhidze thanks the National BankKobakhidze once again praised the National Bank and noted that as soon as the political situation stabilized, the GEL exchange rate began to strengthen.According to him, the National Bank manages to ensure the stability of the GEL exchange rate without any significant interventions.As of Irakli Kobakhidze, only minor interventions have been necessary during these days."The National Bank manages to ensure the stability of the GEL exchange rate without any significant interventions, and I would like to thank the National Bank once again for this," the Prime Minister said.Freebusiness.ge1,055 companies on Freebusiness.ge want to join the demands for the release of those detained during new elections and protests before the New Year. The author of the idea of ​​Freebusiness.ge, Giorgi Chugoshvili, spoke about this on BMGTV’s “Business Morning” program and noted that according to yesterday’s data, 464 companies have been verified on the platform.Freebusiness.ge is a platform where, given the current crisis situation, businesses express their position and join two main demands: the appointment of new elections and the release of those arrested during protests before the New Year.“The current crisis has gone beyond the boundaries of party politics and is putting the country at risk of imminent social and economic danger. It is necessary to urgently de-escalate the situation. The most pragmatic way to de-escalate is to schedule new elections and release those arrested during the recent processes before the New Year. "We, representatives of Georgian business, are responsible for the fate of the country and its irreversible development, regardless of our political preferences, and we sign this call and statement," the statement of free businesses reads.

1734432366