From October 8-12, 2011, numerous international traders and buyers were able to explore the richness of Georgian agriculture in the framework of ANUGA, the world´s leading food fair for the retail trade, food service and catering market. ANUGA international fair takes place annually in Cologne, Germany and unites over 6,500 exhibitors and around 150,000 trade visitors.
The delegation of the Georgian National Investment Agency headed by Deputy Director George Tsikolia, participated in the event together with colleagues from Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The visit of the Georgian delegation to ANUGA took place within the framework of the "Caucasus Initiative" of the German government. Delegations from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia jointly presented their goods at a stand supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Visitors coming to the Georgian stand had an opportunity to directly speak with Georgian producers of wine, see what the country offers in terms of processed fruits and vegetables, as well as organic farming and nuts.
On October 11, the Panel Discussion & Presentations on Opportunities in the Georgian Agribusiness Sector took place in the frames of the ANUGA fair. Seminar participants heard about the success stories of German investors in Georgia from Professor Claus Hipp of HiPP Georgia and Mr. Burkhard Schuchmann of Schuchmann Wines of Georgia. The presentations provided an overview of Georgias agricultural sector, various investment proposals in the agricultural sector, as well as success stories in Georgian farming and organic farming potential.
This year Georgia was represented by the wine companies Vazi' with its trademark ''Binekhi', as well as the company “Tiflisi Marani”. “Aromaproduct” was also there, it is one of the largest export-oriented companies in Georgia specializing in processed fruits and vegetables. The company “Kula” producer of natural juices, jams and preserves along with NUTEX Ltd (nuts) also took part. Apart from the companies, the Biological Farming Association (Elkana), also participated in ANUGA. The association unites member farmers from different regions of Georgia. At present Elkana has 450 members.
