Market
Frozen strawberry (HS 081110) is a two-way trade product for Georgia, with both imports for domestic supply and exports indicating some local freezing/processing capacity. In 2024, Georgia recorded imports of about USD 0.398M (629,005 kg) and exports of about USD 1.150M (357,975 kg) under HS 081110. 2024 imports were led by Egypt and EU suppliers, while 2024 exports were primarily destined for the United States and Israel. Market performance and buyer acceptance are highly dependent on cold-chain integrity and food-safety risk management for frozen berries.
Market RoleSmall-scale producer/exporter and importer (two-way trade market)
Domestic RoleUsed as a frozen fruit ingredient for foodservice and food manufacturing (desserts, bakery, beverages) and sold as a retail freezer product.
Risks
Food Safety HighFrozen strawberries/frozen berries can be a deal-breaker food-safety risk category due to documented hepatitis A outbreaks and recalls linked to frozen strawberries and mixed frozen berries; a contamination event can trigger immediate recalls, import holds, and severe buyer trust loss for affected origins/lots.Use audited suppliers with validated hygiene controls, enforce lot-level traceability (1-up/1-down), maintain strict sanitation in IQF facilities, and align product specs with Codex quick frozen strawberry standard; implement rapid recall and customer notification playbooks.
Logistics MediumCold-chain disruption (power interruptions, reefer failures, or border delays) can cause thaw-refreeze cycles that degrade texture and increase rejection risk; for exports, extended transit increases exposure to reefer and port handling risks.Require continuous temperature logging, specify custody transfer temperature checks, contract contingency cold storage near borders/ports, and use reefer-capable forwarders with defined SOPs for delay scenarios.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisclassification of HS code, missing origin documentation for FTA claims, or failure to secure NFA permits where applicable can delay clearance and increase demurrage/temperature-abuse risk.Pre-verify HS code and required documents via Revenue Service resources and confirm NFA permit applicability before shipment; run a pre-shipment document checklist matched to the importer’s clearance broker.
Sustainability LowGeorgia’s restrictions on certain food-contact plastics (including EPS items) can create compliance risk for foodservice operators that re-pack or serve frozen fruit-based products using prohibited items.Ensure downstream foodservice customers use compliant serving containers and avoid EPS food containers/cups in Georgia from 2026 onward.
Sustainability- Cold-chain energy intensity (reefer transport and frozen storage) increases the product’s operational emissions footprint in Georgia’s market supply chain.
- Georgia has tightened restrictions on certain single-use plastic food-contact items (including EPS food containers/cups and related items) from January 1, 2026; while this does not target pre-packaged food packaging, it can affect foodservice serving/repacking practices for frozen fruit-based offerings.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used for frozen strawberries in Georgia’s trade statistics?Georgia’s frozen strawberry trade is commonly tracked under HS 081110 (Strawberries, frozen) in UN Comtrade/WITS reporting.
Who supplies Georgia with frozen strawberries, and where does Georgia export frozen strawberries?In 2024, the top exporters to Georgia for HS 081110 included Egypt, EU suppliers (including Poland), and Turkey. In 2024, Georgia’s recorded exports of HS 081110 were primarily to the United States and Israel (with smaller volumes to the United Kingdom).
What is the most critical food-safety risk for frozen strawberries in this market context?The most critical risk is contamination events leading to recalls and import holds, including documented hepatitis A outbreaks linked to frozen strawberries and mixed frozen berries, which can rapidly disrupt trade and damage buyer confidence.