Market
Fresh plums are a domestically produced stone fruit in Georgia, with official statistics reporting 12.6 thousand tons of “plum, prune and damson” production in 2023. Georgia is also a net exporter of fresh plums and sloes (HS 080940), exporting about USD 4.08 million (5,434,860 kg) in 2023 while importing about USD 0.12 million (222,659 kg). Exports are highly concentrated to the Russian Federation, indicating strong dependence on a single nearby market corridor. Cold storage facilities handling fruit and vegetables are present in Georgia’s logistics system, supporting short-season aggregation and cross-border shipment.
Market RoleNet exporter with strong regional (near-market) export dependence
Domestic RoleSeasonal fresh fruit for domestic consumption and traditional culinary use, alongside export-oriented marketing during harvest season
Risks
Market Access HighGeorgia’s fresh plum and sloe exports (HS 080940) are heavily concentrated to the Russian Federation (about 98% of export value in 2023). Any border disruption, sudden phytosanitary enforcement shift, payment/logistics restrictions, or geopolitical escalation affecting this corridor could abruptly cut export demand and strand perishable shipments.Reduce single-market exposure by qualifying alternative regional buyers/markets, pre-negotiating contingency routing, and structuring sales with clear rejection/return handling for cold-chain delays.
Phytosanitary MediumPlum pox virus (sharka) is a regulated/quarantine-relevant plant health risk for Prunus species including plums; outbreaks can reduce orchard productivity and trigger stricter phytosanitary measures that disrupt export programs.Implement orchard monitoring and vector control, use tested planting material, and align export inspections/testing with importing-country requirements where applicable.
Food Safety MediumFor exports targeting strict markets (e.g., EU buyers), pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) compliance can be a rejection risk; stone fruit supply chains often require residue-management and documentation to meet destination-market MRL rules.Run pre-shipment residue testing based on buyer/destination requirements, enforce spray-record discipline, and validate compliance against the destination MRL database before dispatch.
Logistics MediumFresh plums are bruise- and temperature-sensitive; overland refrigerated transport and border waiting time variability can cause quality downgrade, decay, or missed selling windows.Use robust packaging, pre-cool quickly, maintain continuous temperature logging, and schedule border crossings to minimize dwell time.
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for fruit and vegetables (farm-level assurance used in many buyer programs)
FAQ
Where does Georgia mainly export fresh plums (HS 080940)?In 2023, Georgia’s exports of fresh plums and sloes (HS 080940) were reported at about USD 4.08 million (5,434,860 kg), with the Russian Federation as the dominant destination (about USD 4.02 million; 5,367,990 kg). Smaller exports went to Armenia and Kazakhstan.
Is Georgia a net importer or net exporter of fresh plums?Based on WITS/UN Comtrade-reported HS 080940 trade, Georgia is a net exporter: exports in 2023 were about USD 4.08 million (5,434,860 kg) versus imports of about USD 0.12 million (222,659 kg).
What is the key official phytosanitary document for exporting fresh plums from Georgia?A phytosanitary certificate is the core plant-health document used internationally to attest compliance with importing-country phytosanitary requirements. Georgia’s export workflow includes National Food Agency inspection and phytosanitary certificate issuance, supported via a “Single Window” approach with the Revenue Service.