Prospects for Georgian tea

The tea industry was one of the major focuses of the agricultural sector during Soviet-era Georgia. 95% of the tea consumed in the Soviet Union was produced in Georgia. Tea plantations were spread over 75, 000 hectares throughout Georgia. The tea was exported abroad mostly to Soviet satellite countries. At the time, Georgia produced more than 100, 000 tons of tea. Today, the country produces around 20, 000 tons of tea, 5,000 tons of which goes to export. Georgian tea accounts for only 20% of local consumption. However, experts in this field think that with the appropriate efforts and with the support of government finances and legislation, the Georgian tea industry can be revived.