David Songulashvili: “The demand for Georgian laurel has increased in the global market; both the primary production and storage-processing sectors are supported through state programs”

Minister Songulashvili, along with the State Representative of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region, Mr. David Verava, and the Director of the Rural Development Agency, Mr. Giorgi Darchia, visited the village of Nosiri in Senaki Municipality. During the visit, the state officials toured the laurel processing plant of the company “Laurus” and met with local laurel farmers. 

In his remarks, the Minister focused on the recent surge in demand for Georgian laurel, noting that both primary production and storage-processing sectors are supported through state programs, which will continue in the future.

Notably, the “Plant the Future” program has financed the planting of laurel gardens across Georgia, covering an area of up to 2,000 hectares. Among these, the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region stands out as the leader, with the cultivation of laurel gardens spanning up to 1,200 hectares.

Currently, the company holds a loan of GEL 800,000. In total, the company employs 130 local workers on a seasonal basis. In previous years, the company produced around 200 tonnes of dried laurel per season. Due to growing interest in Georgian laurel from the Chinese market, production has increased to 300 tonnes this season.

Over GEL 9.4 million in preferential agro-credits have been issued for bay leaf processing nationwide, with more than GEL 6.1 million allocated for the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. The Rural Development Agency subsidizes the interest rate on these loans. 

Amid the increasing production and demand in global markets, the export of bay leaves is increasing. In 2024, the export value amounted to USD 34.4 million, marking an impressive 94% increase compared to 2023. It should be mentioned that the primary export market of Georgian laurel is China.