“No risks of competition law violation” in Georgian hazelnut exports, says Competition Agency

The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency on Thursday said it had found “no risks” of violation of the domestic competition law in exports of domestically produced hazelnuts following a study of related numbers.

The body studied the market to identify its competitive health or potential presence of domination by a single entity.

In summary of related figures, the body said between 65 and 80 companies had exported domestically produced hazelnuts mainly to Italy (32%), Germany (20%), Armenia (7%) and Russia (4%) between 2020-2023.

It also provided a breakdown of annual income generated from hazelnut exports:

• 2020 - 16,675 tonnes worth ₾289.8 million ($103.88mln)
• 2021 - 23,465 tonnes worth ₾365.7 million ($131.09mln)
• 2022 - 21,848 tonnes worth ₾277.1 million ($99.33mln)
• 2023 - 16,169 tonnes worth ₾219.2 million ($78.58mln)

The study also showed both shelled and unshelled hazelnuts had been exported, with the former comprising the main export from the country during the period.

The Agency concluded the hazelnut market was not dominated by a single economic agent, with the total share of the five major companies not exceeding 47 percent.

It also said the market was competitive based on the number of companies operating in it, the share figures of large companies and the concentration index, and added there was “no need for further observation”.