Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormCanned / Preserved (Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionProcessed Food Product
Market
Peeled tomato products in Georgia are shelf-stable preserved tomato items used primarily as cooking inputs for households and foodservice, sold through modern grocery retail and distributor channels. Market access is shaped by Georgia’s food safety framework (traceability, HACCP-based controls for relevant operators, and non-misleading labeling rules) and by customs clearance requirements administered by the Revenue Service. Preferential duty-free import conditions apply for EU-origin goods under the EU–Georgia DCFTA, making origin qualification and documentation commercially important. Because the product is bulky and typically moved in cans or jars, landed cost sensitivity to freight and corridor disruptions is a practical sourcing consideration.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic processed-tomato industry (paste/sauces/preserved vegetables)
Domestic RoleCommon pantry and foodservice ingredient used as a base for sauces, stews, and cooked dishes; also an input into further food preparation by processors and kitchens.
SeasonalityYear-round retail availability for preserved peeled tomatoes; domestic tomato processing supply is seasonal around harvest periods, with imported supply smoothing availability.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Prepared from washed, ripened tomatoes; stems and calices removed; core removed where necessary, then heat processed for commercial sterility (Codex preserved tomatoes standard).
- Packed with or without a suitable packing medium; commonly tomato juice, puree/pulp, or paste-based media are used depending on product style (Codex preserved tomatoes standard).
Packaging- Hermetically sealed retail packs designed for shelf-stable distribution (commonly metal cans or glass jars, depending on brand and channel).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Raw tomatoes (domestic or imported) → washing/sorting → peeling → filling with packing medium → hermetic sealing → thermal sterilization → cooling → labeling/case packing → importer/distributor → retail and foodservice
Temperature- Ambient distribution is typical for commercially sterile preserved tomatoes; protect from freezing and extreme heat to reduce container damage and quality deterioration risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable when hermetically sealed and properly heat processed; after opening, product becomes perishable and requires refrigerated storage and prompt use.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliant or misleading labeling, missing traceability documentation, or inadequate HACCP-based controls (where required) can trigger border delays, market withdrawal actions, or enforcement outcomes in Georgia under the national food safety framework.Run a pre-shipment compliance gate: Georgian-market label review, importer document checklist alignment, and supplier verification of traceability records and HACCP-based food safety procedures.
Logistics MediumFreight-rate volatility and corridor disruptions can materially increase landed costs for peeled tomatoes because the product is freight-intensive (heavy, low-to-medium value per kg), affecting margin and retail competitiveness.Use forward freight planning, diversify origin and routing options, and consider buffer stock policies for key SKUs.
Food Safety MediumContainer integrity failures (leakers, seam defects, glass breakage) or inadequate thermal processing can create spoilage or serious food safety hazards in preserved tomato products, leading to recalls and reputational damage.Source from audited facilities with validated thermal processes, implement incoming container integrity checks, and maintain lot-level traceability for rapid withdrawal if needed.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to clear imported peeled tomato products through Georgian customs?The Revenue Service of Georgia indicates that customs clearance commonly requires a commercial invoice and transport documents (e.g., CMR for road, bill of lading for sea, air waybill for air). If non-tariff measures or additional controls apply, relevant permits/certificates must also be submitted; a certificate of origin is typically needed when claiming preferential treatment such as EU–Georgia DCFTA origin.
Does Georgia require an import permit from the National Food Agency for peeled tomatoes?The National Food Agency states it issues import permits for specific categories subject to veterinary control and for products of plant origin subject to phytosanitary control (quarantine-related). Whether preserved (heat-processed) peeled tomato products fall into a permit-required category should be confirmed against the applicable controlled/quarantine lists and the importer’s product classification before shipment.
What baseline product definition is widely used for preserved or canned tomato products like peeled tomatoes?The Codex Alimentarius Standard for Preserved Tomatoes (CXS 13-1981) describes preserved tomato products as being prepared from washed, ripened tomatoes with stems and calices removed (and core removed where necessary), then heat processed and packed with or without a suitable packing medium.