Tbilisi (GBC) - Ever since the National Wine Agency of Georgia introduced a mandatory organoleptic evaluation and a 1.5-point minimum threshold for export certification, debate across the country’s wine sector has renewed. From the regulator's perspective, the logic is purely pragmatic: safeguard market integrity against low-quality or contaminated bottles. Yet, for small-scale and artisanal producers-particularly those devoted to experimental skin-contact, Qvevri, and natural winemaking-a critical question emerges: could this rigid administrative filter turn into a bureaucratic barrier?As the domestic market adapts to these shifting rules, the global wine community continues to debate the true purpose of evaluation scores: are they meant to act as punitive gatekeepers, or as tools for consumer engagement and education?To contextualize this dilemma, we spoke with wine expert Paul Declerck, author of How to Appreciate Wine. Raised in France’s Loire Valley among a family of winemakers, Declerck developed his 5-point evaluation framework precisely to strip away academic snobbery and unnecessary intimidation from wine tasting.“When you hand someone a glass of wine, almost anyone can tell you if they like it, but hardly anyone can explain why,” Declerck observes. “It often comes down to aromas, texture, viscosity, or acidity, but novice tasters lack the vocabulary to separate those elements. The 5-point approach gives beginners a clear structure so they know what to focus on and can assess wine purely on its structural merits.”“Taste Is Subjective; Quality Is Objective”One of the most persistent dogmas in the wine world is that taste is entirely subjective. Declerck, however, draws a firm line between personal preference and structural quality.“People often say taste is subjective, and that’s true-broccoli will taste very different prepared at home compared to a dish executed by a three-star Michelin chef,” Declerck explains. “So my answer is: yes, taste is subjective, but quality is objective. Quality represents a standard that applies to any crafted product, and that is precisely what we aim to measure.”This distinction carries particular relevance for Georgian tasting panels and everyday consumers alike, where personal bias frequently gets conflated with technical balance. The core objective of the 5-point method is to set individual preferences aside and focus on a wine’s structural architecture - its balance, intensity, length, and complexity.The Qvevri Goes Global: Universal Standards for Ancient VesselsTraditional qvevri and amphora wines fermented on the skins, once viewed as a niche Caucasian curiosity, have firmly integrated into the global winemaking lexicon. Today, European producers are increasingly adopting clay vessels in their own cellars.“You now see traditional clay amphoras and qvevri in cellars across the globe; I’ve personally observed them in Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux,” Declerck notes. “Winemakers often experiment with them over a few vintages before fully committing. As we know, the wine industry evolves slowly, and adopting new practices takes time.”From an oenological perspective, Declerck attributes the appeal of clay vessels to their physical and chemical dynamic: the porous nature and rounded shape of the vessel encourage natural micro-oxygenation and convection currents, achieving naturally what oak barrels or stainless-steel tanks require manual pumps or lees-stirring (bâtonnage) to accomplish.Yet, as these artisanal, high-tannin, skin-contact wines gain traction in international markets, they raise a pressing question: how should products that defy traditional tasting grids be evaluated?Declerck argues that an objective evaluation framework must remain universal:“My 5-point method is universal-it applies equally to reds, whites, rosés, champagnes, skin-contact orange wines, light-bodied, or full-bodied styles. It won't instantly make you a seasoned expert capable of spotting every nuance of Qvevri aging, but it gives you a far clearer grasp of what structural quality actually means.”For Georgian exporters navigating Western markets, this approach is crucial. When international consumers encounter artisanal Georgian wines, evaluation metrics shouldn't confuse them. Instead, a universal scoring model helps buyers recognize firm Qvevri tannins and skin-contact extraction not as faults, but as essential structural components of quality.The Point Trap in Wine Commerce: Lessons from Robert ParkerIn commercial wine buying, retail chains, and sommelier networks, 100-point scales have long dominated purchasing decisions. However, when buyers and importers rely solely on numerical ratings, they risk misreading what the market actually wants.“The biggest mistake trade buyers and sommeliers make is forgetting what everyday consumers actually enjoy drinking,” Declerck points out, pointing to the legacy of influential critic Robert Parker.“Parker had a well-documented preference for bold, full-bodied, high-alcohol reds. Consequently, the region that received the highest density of 100-point scores under his pen was California, largely because Napa Valley built its reputation on powerful 15% ABV Cabernet Sauvignons. But does that mean every consumer wants to drink that style? Absolutely not.”Declerck highlights another revealing detail: throughout his career, Parker never awarded a 100-point score to a red Burgundy-simply because Burgundy produces lighter, more delicate, aromatic wines that didn't align with his personal palate.Today, global consumer preferences are shifting toward lower-alcohol, fresh, and food-friendly wines-a trend that presents real challenges for winemakers as global climate change drives up sugar levels and potential alcohol.“Wine buyers must stay tuned to their customers and offer what people genuinely want to drink that is the essence of sustainable wine commerce,” Declerck adds.Ultimately, a score or medal cannot guarantee commercial success if the product inside the bottle doesn't match contemporary lifestyle preferences.Georgia’s Export Dilemma: Storytelling vs. ScoresFor Georgian wineries targeting high-value Western markets, market positioning remains the central hurdle. The industry has spent years working to shift away from its historic reliance on low-cost, high-volume exports in Eastern European markets toward premium positioning on European and American shelves. When selling fine artisanal Qvevri wines, producers face a tactical choice: what drives purchase decisions more effectively - the compelling narrative of an 8,000-year-old winemaking heritage, or the reassuring logic of numerical ratings?Declerck observes that the answer depends entirely on the sales channel and buyer demographic:For beginners and passionate enthusiasts, storytelling is currently the single strongest commercial driver. That’s why wine marketers constantly urge producers to refine their narrative-sometimes the story becomes even more decisive than what’s in the glass.In volume retail, however, the dynamic changes:“Supermarkets rely heavily on medals and point stickers. When there isn't a sommelier standing by to tell the story, a clear score remains the fastest way to build trust at the shelf.”For Georgia’s wine sector, this demands a dual strategy. In boutique wine bars and specialized shops, the ancient story of the qvevri is the key to engagement. On supermarket shelves, internationally recognized quality benchmarks provide the reassurance foreign buyers need to make a purchase.Top-Down Regulation vs. Bottom-Up EducationIn Georgia’s domestic market, tighter government controls and the 1.5-point certification threshold bring a fundamental debate to the fore: what builds long-term industry strength better-rigid administrative enforcement, or an educated consumer base that demands quality?In discussing this balance, Declerck contrasts the philosophies of the “Old World” (Europe) and the “New World” (Americas, Australasia):“In the Old World, appellation systems like France’s AOC or Italy’s DOCG guarantee geographic origin and set baseline production standards. Champagne is the quintessential example: to bear the name 'Champagne,' grapes must originate from defined zones, irrigation is prohibited, harvesting must be done by hand, among numerous other rules. The objective is to guarantee a baseline of quality so consumers can trust the label.”Historically, the New World operated with far fewer restrictions. Yet, Declerck notes that the tide is turning:“Unregulated growth may boost market volume in the short term as consumers figure out what they like through trial and error. But over the long run, a total lack of standards damages credibility. Even California is introducing stricter origin protections because they recognize how much origin matters to buyers.”Georgia has established its own Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), such as Tsinandali, Khvanchkara, and Mukuzani-though global awareness of these appellations is still developing. The lesson for Georgia is clear: long-term brand equity relies on transparent standards, provided regulatory frameworks don't suffocate smaller, innovative cellars.Overcoming Wine Intimidation: A New Era for ConsumersBeyond administrative thresholds, export scores, and tasting grids stands the central figure in the equation: the person holding the glass. For decades, the wine industry’s greatest misstep was overwhelming consumers with academic jargon and elitism rather than offering practical, accessible tools to enjoy wine with confidence“My primary goal is to help people stop feeling intimidated by wine and start trusting their own senses,” Declerck concludes. “Don't assume you lack a 'special nose' or an 'educated palate' to appreciate wine. Most people simply haven't been shown what structural markers to pay attention to. Wine can feel overwhelming-regions, vintages, producers, but it doesn't have to be. Start with structure, and the rest falls into place naturally.”Georgia’s wine sector stands at a pivotal transition. Quality control measures and ambitious export goals will yield lasting results only if regulatory thresholds serve as transparent benchmarks rather than punitive barriers, allowing ancient qvevri traditions to align seamlessly with universal quality standards.A score should never function as a bureaucratic roadblock, it should simply serve as a compass for the consumer.“Wine isn't about memorizing facts or trying to impress anyone. It’s about curiosity, pleasure, and building your own confidence-one glass at a time.” - Paul DeclerckBy Anna Gulbatashvili, Journalist

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In 2Q26, equity capital amounted to $210.5 million, which is 44.9% of total foreign direct investments. Reinvestment amounted to $300.5 million and its share was determined at 64.1%.According to preliminary data from Geostat, in 2Q26, China is in first place with $219.5 million, which is 46.8% of total foreign direct investments, the United Kingdom is in second place with $123.5 million (26.3%), and the United Arab Emirates is in third place with $47.7 million (10.2%).The share of the three largest investor countries is 83.3% of the total volume of investments.According to preliminary data from Geostat, in 2Q26, the largest amount of foreign direct investments was made in the financial and insurance activities sector and reached $207.6 million (44.3%). In second place is the real estate sector with $119.9 million (25.6%), and in third place is the manufacturing sector with $59 million (12.6%).The share of the three largest sectors (in terms of foreign direct investment) amounted to 82.4%.

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The value of output produced by the business sector also increased. In Q2 2026, output totaled GEL 25.7 billion, up 10.7% compared with the same period last year.According to Geostat, large businesses accounted for 69.8% of total business-sector turnover in the second quarter, while medium-sized businesses accounted for 11.6% and small businesses for 18.6%.The distribution was different in terms of total output. Large businesses accounted for 48.6% of output, medium-sized businesses for 23.6%, and small businesses for 27.8%.Meanwhile, enterprises purchased a total of GEL 32.5 billion worth of goods and services during the reporting period, 4.9% more than in the second quarter of 2025. Purchases of goods and services intended for resale amounted to GEL 19.4 billion, up 9.3% year-on-year.The average number of people employed in the business sector reached 828,400 in Q2 2026, an increase of 4.1% compared with the same period last year. Women accounted for 43.8% of total employment, while men accounted for 56.2%.Large businesses employed 42.6% of the total workforce, medium-sized businesses 19.7%, and small businesses 37.7%.The total number of employees hired during the reporting period stood at 768,600, up 3.1% year-on-year. Total personnel expenses amounted to GEL 5.8273 billion, an increase of 10.3% compared with the same period of 2025.The average monthly salary of employees in the business sector reached GEL 2,471.5 in the second quarter, GEL 153.8 higher than a year earlier. The average monthly salary for women stood at GEL 1,944.9.By business size, average monthly salaries were GEL 2,622.8 in large businesses, GEL 2,918.9 in medium-sized businesses, and GEL 1,972.3 in small businesses.Arts, entertainment and recreation accounted for the largest share of business-sector turnover in Q2 2026, at 36.5%. Wholesale and retail trade, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, ranked second with 32.4%.Manufacturing accounted for 8.1% of turnover, followed by transportation and storage at 4.8%, construction at 4.8%, and information and communication at 3.4%. The remaining sectors accounted for 10%.In terms of total output, manufacturing held the largest share at 20.5%, followed by trade at 18%, construction at 14.4%, transportation and storage at 9.8%, and information and communication at 8.9%. Other sectors collectively accounted for 28.4% of total output.Trade employed the largest share of the business-sector workforce in Q2 2026, at 29.5%, followed by manufacturing at 11.3% and human health and social work activities at 9.1%.Transportation and storage accounted for 8.1% of employment, construction for 7.6%, information and communication for 6.4%, and accommodation and food service activities for 5.7%, according to Geostat.

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According to official figures, the agency recorded 1,758 formal applications during the first eight months of the year, while incoming telephone enquiries surged to 5,367, representing a 110 per cent year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2025.During the reporting period, GCCA rulings confirmed 227 instances of group consumer rights violations across 516 individual cases. Due to non-compliance with binding obligations under the GCCA, 114 traders were penalised in 268 cases, incurring total fines of GEL 289,663. In addition, 134 conditional commitment agreements were signed across 151 cases in favour of consumers. Under these agreements, traders undertook binding commitments to amend their internal operating policies and restore the rights of consumers potentially affected by past commercial practices.E-commerce accounted for the vast majority of consumer grievances, with 69 per cent of submitted applications concerning online purchases, compared to 31 per cent for in-store transactions. Geographically, Tbilisi generated the largest share of complaints at 81 per cent, followed by regional submissions from Adjara (6%), Imereti (3%), Kvemo Kartli (2%), Kakheti (2%), and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti (2%).Broken down by the nature of consumer requests, 707 applications sought monetary refunds; 393 concerned the repair or replacement of defective goods, 431 concerned the restoration of rights over faulty services, and 227 covered other miscellaneous issues. By industry sector, wholesale and retail trade dominated the statistics at 67 per cent, followed by transport and storage (11%), arts, entertainment, and recreation (3%), and other commercial activities (19%).

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During the reporting period, the GCCA received a total of 1508 applications and 4655 calls related to consumer rights protection-representing a 106% increase in the number of applications submitted compared to the corresponding period of the preceding year.Furthermore, during the reporting period, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency identified 204 violations of consumer group rights in 472 cases. Due to non-compliance with obligations imposed by the GCCA, 93 traders were fined in 221 cases, with total penalties amounting to 214 398 GEL. For consumer protection, 120 commitment agreements were signed in 139 cases, where traders committed to modifying their internal business policies and restoring the rights of affected consumers who suffered due to unfair business practices.According to the reporting period, 70% of submitted applications concerned online trading, while 30% related to in-person purchases. From a regional perspective, Tbilisi accounted for the largest share of applications 79%, followed by Adjara 6%, Imereti 4%, Kvemo Kartli 2%, Kakheti 2%, Samegrelo Zemo-Svaneti 2%, etc.As regards the subject matter of applications submitted during the first seven months of the current year, 628 concerned requests for reimbursement, 334 related to the repair or replacement of defective goods, 355 pertained to the restoration of rights in cases of deficient service provision, and the rest is 191. By sector, wholesale and retail trade accounted for the largest share at 70%, followed by transport and storage 12%, arts, entertainment and recreation 3%, and other activities 15%.

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The company attributes this growth to the increase in economic activity in the country and the number of new subscribers.In particular, as of June 2026, the number of Telasi subscribers increased by 4.5% (35.5 thousand subscribers) compared to the same period in 2025 and amounted to 833.4 thousand subscribers, of which 746.6 thousand are individuals, and 86.8 thousand are legal entities.During the same period, the total length of the company's power transmission lines amounted to 7,810 km, which is 7% (510 km) higher than the figure for the first six months of 2025. The total length of the company's power transmission lines increased as a result of network development, reconstruction and modernization works.

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The ministry stated that the new deadline has been set for February 1, 2031.“An amendment has been introduced to the Government of Georgia’s Decree No. 106, dated March 12, 2026, which regulates the prohibition of the manufacture, import, and market placement of certain plastic products intended for contact with food.Under this amendment, the deadline to enforce the ban on serving drinks in plastic bottles at catering venues has been extended by four years, with the new effective date established as February 1, 2031.Under the original March decree, the restriction was slated to take effect today, July 1, 2026. The decision to grant this extension was reached following supplementary consultations with the private sector, business associations, and other relevant stakeholders,” the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture stated.

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According to the organizers, the forum will become a platform for direct dialogue between the heads of state agencies and representatives of business circles of the two countries.The main goal of the event is to deepen bilateral cooperation, exchange experience in the investment field and expand trade and economic ties.Within the framework of the forum, the Uzbek side will present the country’s investment potential and familiarize foreign partners with the current legal environment, existing benefits for investors and state support mechanisms.Delegates will also learn about the priority areas of Uzbekistan's state policy related to improving the investment climate and protecting business rights.During the panel discussions and B2B meetings, special attention will be paid to the prospects for strategic partnerships in the fields of agriculture, the electrical industry, and the production of modern building materials.The forum participants will also discuss the prospects for implementing joint investment projects and developing new commercial opportunities.

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The authors of the legislative initiative are members of parliament: Shota Berekashvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili, Tornike Berekashvili, Anton Obolashvili and Mariam Lashkhi.According to the amendments, a new category of licenses will be introduced in a systematic-electronic form for the international organization of slot machines and totalizator games. The introduction of this framework will encourage the legal entry of gambling operators registered in other countries into Georgia. However, according to the draft law, only foreign citizens and stateless persons will have the right to play on these platforms, while Georgian citizens will be automatically banned from accessing the aforementioned Internet websites.According to the initiators, the state offers a tax break to online casinos intended only for foreigners - they will be taxed at a lower 5% gross profit tax (GGR) rate, instead of the 20% that standard online casinos available to Georgian citizens are taxed at. The monthly 5% tax rate will be charged on the difference between the bets received and the winnings paid out.In addition, each type of international permit will be issued for a period of 5 years and its annual fee will be set at 100,000 GEL. Violation of permit conditions or the deadline for payment of fees will be subject to a fine of 20,000 GEL. The draft law also tightens restrictions on Internet domains: if under the current rules, a maximum of 2 websites could be operated with 1 permit, the new law reduces the limit to 1 website per permit, and a transitional period will apply to existing permits for the remaining period of their validity.The explanatory note to the draft law emphasizes that, on the one hand, the reform will ensure the protection of Georgian citizens from harmful influences, and on the other hand, it will promote the growth of foreign direct investment, the development of the service sector, the entry of highly qualified technological and marketing personnel into the country, and the accumulation of additional revenues in the state budget.

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The legislative amendments were authored and initiated by Members of Parliament Paata Kvizhinadze, Irakli Kheladze, Bezhan Tsakadze, Zurab Rurua, Giorgi Barvenashvili, and Levan Machavariani.Under the new regulations, a transitional period will begin in 2027, during which the tax authority will exclusively register cash registers that meet the new standard. Meanwhile, businesses will be allowed to use previously registered older cash registers and terminals without interruption until May 1, 2028.The law stipulates that a single operator, selected by the Government of Georgia, will handle both the supply and subsequent technical maintenance of the new equipment. The government will determine the service fees and specific payment procedures at a later stage.While the core components of these legislative changes have already taken effect, the mandatory requirements of the new system will be phased in incrementally through 2027 and 2028.Penalties are also being tightened under the new framework. Operating without a cash register or failing to use one during customer transactions will result in a 200 GEL fine for business entities.

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