Consumer confidence on the rise. The CCI has increased by 4.8 index points, from -28.8 in March to -24 in April.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine profoundly impacted the global economy, immediately sending shockwaves across the globe. The attack of a country that was once a major energy supplier to Europe on the country which was one of the top food exporters in the world, sent food and fuel prices spiraling, causing major energy shortages and the prospect of protracted recession in the United States and the European Union.

Historically, hazelnuts have been one of Georgia’s main crops in terms of economic value; as the country is located on the Black Sea coastal area, which has suitable soil and climate conditions for growing hazelnuts. Even as early as the fourth century B.C., populations grew wild forms of hazelnut, which later adapted to local conditions and formed regional varieties (GEONUTS, 2023).

The study examines challenges to Georgia’s economic and democratic development that accompany growing presence of Russian business ownership in the country; and seeks to heighten awareness among key stakeholders (i.e. government, civil society organizations, development partners) and the Georgian public regarding the associated risks and threats.

In December 2022, the average cost of cooking one standard Imeretian khachapuri continued its upward trend and reached 6.99 GEL. The latest average price is 0.6% higher month-on-month (compared to November 2022) and 21.7% higher year-on-year (compared to December 2021).