Fruit exports dropping

During the Soviet period, Georgia was one of the top exporters of fruit to the rest of the USSR, particularly citrus fruit. Exports have dropped dramatically since independence, and a Russian embargo imposed in 2006 only made matters worse.

In 2011, Georgia exported more than $5 million USD in citrus fruit, down from over $12 million in 2010 - which itself was a drop from $15 million in 2009. The situation is similar for apple exports - in 2011, Georgia exported $121,000 worth of apples compared to $633,000 in 2010. Before the embargo, Georgia's apple exports were valued at more than $1 million.