Georgian fruit and vegetables return to Russian market

Russian mouths will soon be gobbling down on Georgian-grown peaches, apricots, plums and cherries as the Russian market opens up to a selection of Georgian-grown fruit and vegetables.

From May 26, Georgian summer fruits including peaches, apricots, plums, cherries as well as several vegetables will be sold throughout Russia, said Georgia’s Agriculture Minister today.

After today’s Government meeting, Minister Shalva Pipia told journalists negotiations to allow Georgian produce to be sold in Russia had been going on for some time.

"We have been constantly working with Rospotrebnadzor (Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights). It has already been decided that fruits such as peaches, apricots, plums, cherries as well as several vegetables such as fresh potatoes, that are packed and washed will be allowed in the Russian market from Monday next week," Pipia said.

If this export venture was successful, the number of Georgian products on the approved Russian export list could increase, meaning more locally made products could be sold in Russia, he said.

"It is a progressive process. We started negotiations last year regarding wines and mineral waters. The process had been revised several times and currently work is underway to make all kinds of Georgian products available in the Russian market," he said.