Mkisa, an agricultural company from the Republic of Georgia, is pushing the boundaries of blueberry and almond farming. Just three years into its operations, Mkisa has taken a bold, quality-oriented and technological approach to modern agriculture. The company’s first exhibition at Anuga food and beverage fair in Cologne, Germany in October 2023, was a resounding success. The product range at the showcase included raw, roasted and salted almond nuts. This comes at a time when Georgia’s almond (in shell) exports have seen uptick growth. Shipments have grown from 67 tons in the 2021-2022 season to 130 tons in the 2022-23 market year.

With an aim to learn more, Selina Wamucii talks to Giorgi Gudabandze, the Commercial Director of Mkisa.

Mr. Gudabandze, starts by recounting the significance of the Cologne event for the company.

“The Anuga trade show marks our debut as exhibitors.”

He follows up: “we initiated preparations for this event several months in advance, which encompassed activities like identifying potential business partners, establishing early communication with them, creating marketing materials, and building business linkages.”

This naturally leads to Mkisa’s total almond crop this year that will help to branch out via business linkages:

“Currently, in Bolnisi, we have 40 hectares of almond orchards, and our long-term plan is to expand our orchards to cover a total of 100 hectares.” Mr. Gudabandze expands.

And while the company does not yet grow organic almonds, its youthful presence in the Georgian agricultural scene promises more:

“The company (was) founded in 2020 and in September, 2023 Mkisa harvested its first almond crop,” states Mr. Gudabandze.

Mkisa’s Blueberry Haven

It is also in its good books that while celebrating this initial almond harvest, the company has other ventures, too.

“Apart from the almonds, Mkisa also cultivates blueberries.” Says Mr. Gudabandze. “In the western regions of Georgia (Khobi & Tskaltubo), we maintain 55 hectares of blueberry orchards, nurturing eight different blueberry varieties. Anticipated blueberry harvests are expected to commence in late spring of 2024. In the future, we have intentions to expand our blueberry orchards.”

Talking of expansion plans, does Mkisa have plans of extending outside Georgia?

“Our sales strategy revolves around entering established markets. We primarily aim to export our products to Europe and the Gulf region, where our focus is on delivering high-quality goods. Right from our inception, our foremost concern is quality. We consistently take into account aspects such as food safety and related matters in our food production processes. Our almonds have received HACCP certification, while our blueberries are certified under Global G.A.P. Standards.” The commercial director ends on this commendable note.