In January 2026, the average cost of preparing a standard portion of Imeretian khachapuri increased to 7.92 GEL, marking a 0.8% rise compared to December 2025 and a 12.9% increase year-on-year. The seasonal rise in the Khachapuri Index was primarily driven by higher milk and dairy prices, reflecting a seasonal decline in fresh milk availability and increased reliance on imported milk powder.

Most khachapuri ingredients recorded moderate monthly price increases in January. Milk recorded the largest monthly increase (+1.8%), followed by butter (+1.7%), while prices of cheese, flour, and eggs rose more moderately, by 1.0% each. In contrast, the price of yeast declined substantially by 7.7%. Despite the substantial decline in yeast prices, the relatively large weights of dairy products in khachapuri production costs meant that their moderate price increases more than offset the drop in yeast prices, resulting in a 0.8% month-on-month increase in the Khachapuri Index.

In annual terms, ingredient prices increased substantially. Egg prices rose by 18.9%, followed by cheese (+14.7%), butter (+11.6%), flour (+11.3%), yeast (+1.3%) and milk (+0.9%), respectively. 

Despite the moderate monthly increase in January 2026, strong annual increases across key ingredients indicate persistent cost pressures. Winter-related supply constraints may continue to push food prices upward in the coming months.