The main purpose of the study is to analyse the current development status of the organic hazelnut sector in the key hazelnut producing areas of Georgia (Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Vani) and understand entire core process of the value chain from production to processing, and marketing.

At the end of January, ISET’s Retail Food Price Index increased by 5.2% y/y (compared to January 2017). On a monthly basis (compared to December 2017), food prices in Tbilisi’s major supermarkets decreased slightly by 0.3%. According to data from the last two weeks of January, prices dropped the most for buckwheat (-6%), rice (-6%), and bananas (-2%).

In January 2018, Georgian power plants generated 1,014 mln. KWh of electricity. This corresponds to a 6% increase in total generation, compared to the previous year (in 2017, total generation in January was 955.5 mln. kWh). The increase in generation on a yearly basis comes from increase in wind and hydro power generation.

When visiting Georgia, the son of a French farmer may feel like cows are invading the countryside. They seem to be everywhere, roaming in little herds, cows, heifers, and calves all together, searching for every blade of grass to be grazed under the guard of their herdsman. From this point of view and many others, including amazing landscapes, Saperavi wine, khinkali and mtsvadi, the Georgian countryside is very surprising and interesting!

The ISET-PI is seeking Deputy Head for the Private Sector Development Research Center. The center has been tasked to study and formulate effective policy options for strengthening the private sector and promoting market competitiveness.