Enterprises in Georgia close due to poor fruit harvest

Almost all fruit processing plants have closed in the Gori Region of
Georgia. The poor apple harvest this year puts both locals and
business in a complicated situation. Head of the fruit concentrate
plant 'Samegobro', Zaur Saganelidze, said that it is the worst harvest
in the last ten years. In October the factory was paying 7 tetri per
kilogram of apples, the factory only managed to purchase 300 kg. This
not only leads to reduction of jobs, but to loss of position on the
exterior market as well, Business Georgia reports.

'Kula' maker of apple concentrate for children offered 14 tetri per
kilogram of apples. But it failed to purchase enough apples and
started using other fruits. The head of 'Kula' said that they are
operating at a 60% load. The products are exported abroad.

Farmers expect food problems this winter. The drought this year led to
poor harvest. Humanitarian aid provided after the August war was
stopped several months ago.

Only 1 out of 5 fruit processing plants is operating in Gori Region.
The price for apples in Gori will reach 4-5 lari.