Georgia's Dairy Industry Overview
Georgia's dairy market plays a crucial role in its agricultural sector, focusing on enhancing production, processing, and export capabilities. The country is recognized for its diverse array of dairy farms and processing facilities, which are integral to meeting local demand and enhancing export opportunities.
Dairy Cattle and Milk Production
With approximately 195,000 dairy cattle, Georgia demonstrates a strong commitment to the dairy sector. Despite challenges such as pasture limitations and the need for modernization, the nation manages to produce about 600 million liters of milk annually. This stable production environment supports both local consumption and export growth.
Milk Processing and Cheese Production
Georgia processes around 400 million liters of milk per year. Key processors are focused on diversifying product offerings and elevating quality standards to meet international benchmarks. Traditional Georgian cheeses, like Imeretian and Sulguni, contribute significantly with an annual production of about 20,000 metric tons.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
The production of milk powder and whey in Georgia stands at approximately 10,000 metric tons annually. This production addresses both local consumption and export demands, showcasing the sector's adaptability to global market trends.
Key Dairy Enterprises
Prominent dairy enterprises such as "Sante GMT Products," "Milk Factory," and "Zedazeni" are central to the processing and distribution of dairy products both regionally and internationally. Leading dairy farms including "Eco-Farm," "Tbilisi Dairy," and "Lelo Dairy Farm" employ modern farming techniques to boost productivity and sustainability.
Trade in Dairy Products
Georgia exports dairy products valued at approximately 50 million USD annually, with significant exports to neighboring countries that appreciate the high quality of Georgian products. Imports are valued at around 30 million USD per year, primarily comprising specialty cheeses and milk derivatives not produced domestically. Notable imports include Kazakhstani yogurt, kefir, and ryazhenka.
Recent Events in Georgia's Dairy Market
Recent initiatives aim to enhance the competitiveness of the dairy sector in Georgia, including subsidies for modern equipment and the expansion of dairy cooperatives. The focus on export-led growth is supported by partnerships with international organizations to improve production standards and access new markets. An anticipated 10% tariff from most post-Soviet countries could impact trade dynamics. The National Food Agency of Georgia confirms compliance with safety standards. Additionally, companies like ATENA actively participate in international exhibitions to explore market opportunities, while Tegeta Holding Group continues its representation of JCB in Georgia since 2007, with its head office located in TechPark, Tbilisi.
Part of the Top 10 Importers
Georgia is among the top 10 largest buyers of Russian cheese and curd. It is also one of the top five destinations for Russian condensed milk exports, having imported Russian condensed milk worth more than 1 million USD. There is strong demand for Indian mozzarella in Georgia. By the end of 2025, Georgia increased its purchases of milk and cream from abroad by 36.4% compared to the previous year, reaching 22.7 million USD. Despite this increase in imports, Georgia maintains a significant domestic production, producing more than 500 thousand tons of milk per year. Georgia is a market for Ukrainian non-condensed milk and cream, accounting for 2.9% of export revenue from Ukraine for these products. In February 2026, milk imports from Russia to Georgia showed a sharp increase, with purchase volume reaching 664.7 thousand USD, almost five times the figure for the same period in 2025 (132.4 thousand USD).
Modified: 2026/04/19