Georgian Wool to Be Exported to EU

Two Georgian companies named ‘Georgian Wool’ and ‘Georgian Wool Company’ have received permission from the European Union (EU) to export wool to Europe. Georgia was added to the list of third countries which can export raw (unwashed) wool. It is the first Georgian product of animal origin to be allowed to enter the European market.

According to the National Food Agency, the State's role in the successful completion of negotiations was large and the government did everything necessary to get recognition of Georgian wool from the EU. At this stage, both companies are carrying out negotiations.

“The State has taken a major responsibility on itself for quality control,” Deputy Director of the National Food Agency, Mikhail Sokhadze, told Georgian media outlet Business Contact. “The frequency and the export price, of course, depends on the business. They need to collect the quantity and quality of wool that the partner demands. In this case, our European colleagues felt confidence not only in a private company, but the country as a whole. In fact, Europe has acknowledged that the veterinary system is functioning in Georgia.”

Sokhadze says the Veterinary Service periodically controls those enterprises in which wool is collected and at the same time constantly monitors sheep and goats. It is important to collect the wool only from healthy animals. In the future, the State will provide all wool-producing companies with recommendations that meet the EU criteria.

Georgian Wool is holding negotiations with several European countries, including Germany and Estonia, and plans to send small containers from the outset while, according to Georgian Wool Company Director Zaur Kuliev, his company is currently in negotiations with British partners and plans to export 22 tons of wool. If the British are satisfied with the quality, the company will expand export.

The Georgian Wool Company exports wool to Ukraine and India but the market price is significantly low there which is why the company plans to hold further negotiations with Germany, Estonia and Italy and hopes to deliver up to 200 tons of wool monthly.

Ana Akhalaia