Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable ready-to-drink beverage
Industry PositionProcessed Consumer Food Product (Packaged Beverage)
Market
Grape juice drinks in Georgia are supplied through a mix of domestic beverage/juice processors and imported finished beverages, with locally produced shelf-stable juices marketed through broad retail distribution. Domestic manufacturing is evidenced by Georgian producers such as Kula (juice/compotes) and Special Brands (grape juice), alongside broader non-alcoholic beverage producers active in fruit-flavored segments. Food business operators are regulated under Georgia’s Food/Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Code, which includes HACCP-based food safety procedures and labeling controls enforced through state control. For outward trade, Georgia’s EU DCFTA framework provides duty elimination for goods originating in Georgia and the EU (subject to origin rules), supporting potential export market access for compliant Georgian beverage products.
Market RoleDomestic consumer market with local juice/drink manufacturing and export-capable processors
Domestic RolePackaged non-alcoholic beverage category supplied by local processors and retail-distributed nationwide
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityFinished grape juice drinks are available year-round in retail; domestic grape supply is linked to viticulture regions (notably Kakheti), enabling processing into shelf-stable beverages beyond harvest timing.
Specification
Primary VarietySaperavi
Physical Attributes- Deep red/burgundy color is typical for red-grape-based drinks in retail presentation (example retail listings describe burgundy color for grape beverages).
- Shelf-stable, non-carbonated grape beverages are sold in consumer-ready formats (example listings include 1 L glass packaging).
Compositional Metrics- Brix (soluble solids) is a common quality/control metric for grape juice and concentrates; Codex defines concentrated juice via water removal and Brix increase and defines juice from concentrate via reconstitution.
- Product naming (juice vs. nectar vs. juice drink) should be consistent with composition and applicable standards to avoid misleading labeling.
Packaging- 1 L glass bottles (observed in Georgian retail listings for grape beverages)
- 1 L cartons and 3 L bag-in-box formats (reported by a Georgian juice producer for no-sugar juice lines)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Grape sourcing (viticulture regions such as Kakheti) → juice extraction and/or concentrate procurement → blending/formulation into juice drink → heat treatment (pasteurization) → packaging (glass/carton/bag-in-box) → domestic retail distribution and/or export dispatch
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Georgia’s food safety and labeling requirements can block market placement and trigger enforcement actions; goods subject to border control that do not satisfy import requirements may be returned to the exporting country or processed/destroyed at the owner’s expense.Run pre-shipment label and documentation checks against Georgia’s food safety/labelling rules; maintain HACCP documentation and retain traceability records to support inspections and rapid corrective actions.
Logistics MediumPackaged juice drinks are freight-intensive and packaging-sensitive; freight rate volatility and damage (especially in glass) can erode margins and disrupt supply continuity for exports and imported inputs.Optimize packaging (e.g., palletization, protective packing), use multimodal routing with service-level buffers, and consider lighter formats (carton/bag-in-box) where channel-appropriate.
Food Safety MediumJuice drink integrity risks include mislabeling of juice content category (juice vs. nectar vs. drink), formulation deviations, and inadequate process control; HACCP-based control is a core expectation under Georgia’s food safety framework.Align product identity and composition to applicable standards (e.g., Codex definitions for juice/from concentrate) and validate process controls (pasteurization parameters, sanitation, batch coding, retention samples).
Sustainability- Packaging footprint and breakage risk (glass formats are present in retail), which can increase logistics emissions and loss rates in export distribution compared with lighter packaging formats.
Standards- ISO (company-reported certification for grape juice producers)
FAQ
What documents are required for customs clearance of goods into Georgia?For customs clearance, the Revenue Service lists an invoice (purchase document) and transport documents/waybills (e.g., bill of lading, air waybill, CMR/TIR). If non-tariff measures apply, relevant licenses, permits, certificates, or other necessary documents must also be submitted.
Is HACCP required for beverage manufacturers in Georgia?Georgia’s Food/Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Code requires food business operators to introduce food safety procedures based on HACCP principles (with primary production excluded).
What can happen if imported goods subject to border control do not meet Georgia’s import requirements?Under Georgia’s Food/Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Code, goods subject to border control that do not satisfy import requirements may be returned to the exporting country or processed/destroyed at the owner’s expense.