Present in 53 countries worldwide, Erborian is known for brings together Korean skincare expertise, French sophistication and advanced cosmetic technologies. Founded in 2007, the brand gained international recognition through its iconic BB and CC creams, which combine skincare and makeup benefits. Today, Erborian continues to expand its portfolio with innovative formulas designed to meet evolving skincare needs.Inspired by Korean beauty traditions, Erborian incorporates ingredients such as Ginseng, Centella Asiatica, Bamboo, Yuzu and Korean snow mushroom into its innovative skincare formulations.The brand's arrival in Georgia further expands PSP's K-beauty portfolio. Since introducing its first Korean skincare brand, Mizon, to the Georgian market in 2018, PSP has become the official and exclusive local partner of more than 10 Korean beauty brands: Mizon, Missha, A'pieu, Village 11, Dermafirm, Manyo, Round Lab, COSRX and Beauty of Joseon.Erborian’s arrival in Georgia marks another step in expanding access to internationally recognized K-beauty brands for local consumers. Georgian consumers can now discover Erborian's skincare range across PSP's pharmacy network."As Georgia's leading pharmacy brands, PSP continues to introduce Georgian consumers to leading international K-beauty brands and emerging skincare innovations. With Erborian now available in our network, customers can discover the brand and explore its range of products.With its distinctive blend of Korean skincare heritage, French sophistication and contemporary innovation, Erborian continues to bring its unique beauty philosophy to consumers around the world. Now, Georgian consumers can experience it through PSP's pharmacy network”, - PSP representatives stated.(R)

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As part of the assessment, the Agency examined the relevant product markets for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, as well as the construction of hydroelectric power plants. The GCCA also evaluated potential horizontal overlaps in the market for the construction of solar power plants.The market analysis established that the target undertaking is not currently active in the construction of solar power plants, maintaining only a prospective project in this sector. Consequently, the transaction is not expected to alter the market’s Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Furthermore, solar power plant construction accounted for a negligible share of LLC “Peri”’s aggregate service volume in Georgia in 2025. In view of these findings, the Agency concluded that a more detailed assessment of this market was unnecessary.Regarding the construction of hydroelectric power plants, the overall market volume reached GEL 596,476,037 in 2025, with an HHI of 525.8, indicating a low-concentration market structure. The Agency's evaluation confirmed that the concentration results in no change to the market structureRegarding the market for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, 286 undertakings operated in the sector in 2025. Total market volume amounted to GEL 3,521,049,167, with an HHI of 938.85, reflecting a moderately concentrated market. The Agency confirmed that the proposed transaction will not alter the market structure or competitive dynamics.On the basis of this analysis, the Agency concluded that the concentration does not significantly affect competition in the relevant markets and is compatible with the competitive environment.FYI: In accordance with Georgian legislation, concentration is subject to notification to the Agency if the aggregate (total) joint income of its participants on the territory of Georgia, exceeds 20 million GEL and the joint income of at least two persons participating in the concentration exceeds 5 million GEL for the previous financial year. In case of bypassing the Competition Agency subject to the mandatory notification, before the Agency reviews the notification or despite the negative conclusion, the person with the obligation to submit the notification shall be fined.In 2026, the GCCA approved a total of 13 concentrations.

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The 45-room hotel complex combines international standards with local cultural traditions. The property features a spa center a fitness club, an outdoor swimming pool a bar, lounge areas, a traditional Kakhetian-style courtyard, and the restaurant "Askaneli." The launch of the project has created over 150 new jobs in the region, contributing to the employment of the local population and fostering economic activity.According to Giorgi Tkhelidze, General Director of TBC Bank, tourism has emerged as a new strategic area of ​​focus within the framework of the 23-year partnership with Askaneli. According to him a priority for the bank is to finance projects that foster the economic development of the regions and ensure the implementation of high standards within the hospitality sector.Gocha Chkhaidze the founder of "Askaneli," noted that the new resort represents a synthesis of Georgian winemaking, gastronomy, culture and modern hospitality - a combination that will create additional opportunities for local winegrowers and partner businesses.

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With the help of the AI assistant, customers no longer need to know the exact name of a product. They can simply describe what they are looking for or upload a photo of the desired product. The assistant searches thousands of products to find relevant options, takes the customer’s specified budget into account, and provides personalized recommendations.How Does the PSP AI Assistant Help You?The new functionality supports customers throughout the product selection and ordering process, while also providing information about delivery. Through the AI assistant, customers can get information about product availability, features, and current offers, as well as choose their preferred delivery option - a Locker, Pick Up, or courier delivery.In addition, the AI assistant allows customers to access information about their existing online orders and check their order status.“More than 10 years ago, PSP introduced Georgia’s first online pharmacy. For years, customers have been using our online pharmacy services not only in Tbilisi but also in major regional centers across Georgia. By introducing 24/7 AI assistance across PSP’s digital platforms, our goal is to make the online pharmacy experience even simpler and more convenient, with support available whenever customers need it - from finding the right product to receiving their order, all in one place,” a PSP representative stated.#PSPAIAssistant #AIThatHelpsYouChoose

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The study also confirms PSP’s leadership in brand awareness. When consumers are asked to name pharmacy chains, PSP is mentioned most frequently. Its Top-of-Mind awareness stands at 42%, meaning that the largest share of consumers name PSP first when thinking of a pharmacy.Consumer choice further demonstrates PSP’s strong market position. According to the study, 82% of consumers use PSP’s services, while 39% consider PSP their primary pharmacy choice. These figures further highlight the company’s strong position not only in terms of awareness, but also in actual consumer behavior.Consumers also perceive PSP as the leading pharmacy chain in the market. 56% of respondents identify PSP as the market leader, while 51% name it the most trusted pharmacy. PSP ranks first across almost all evaluated attributes. According to the study, 59% of respondents find it easy to find the products they are looking for at PSP, while 52% believe PSP offers the best assortment and brands. For 50% of respondents, visiting PSP is a pleasant experience. PSP also holds a leading position when it comes to price affordability.The study shows that consumers consider several key factors when choosing a pharmacy. Among the most important reasons for visiting their primary pharmacy are a convenient location, attractive promotions, qualified pharmacist service, and affordable prices.The study was conducted in 2026 across Georgia by ACT Research, with 800 respondents participating.Founded in 1994, PSP became the first official distributor of European medicines in Georgia. Today, the company represents products from leading global manufacturers of pharmaceutical and medical products, including more than 100 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities operating in compliance with GMP standards.For more than 30 years, PSP has been a guarantee of quality for consumers. The company places particular emphasis on maintaining high standards of product and service quality. PSP’s pharmacy network has been awarded the ISO 9001:2008 international quality management certification following an audit by German experts. PSP’s distribution warehouse has also successfully passed the GDP compliance audit twice and holds a certificate of compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.Today, PSP operates more than 360 branches across Georgia and employs more than 5,000 people. Its pharmacy network offers pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical products from leading global manufacturers, as well as dietary supplements, mother and baby care products, oral hygiene products, and a wide range of beauty and cosmetics products. The company continuously expands its portfolio in line with the latest developments in medicine and dermatological skincare.PSP was the first pharmaceutical company in Georgia to offer customers online services alongside its physical branches. Through its e-commerce platform, which integrates the company’s website and smartphone application, customers can access the network’s full product assortment and choose either home delivery or collection through a locker. The platform is also powered by AI, making it easier for customers to select products and complete their purchases.PSP is a company trusted and chosen not only by consumers for the quality of its products and services, but also recognized by international experts and the public through numerous awards in Georgia and at international competitions, including Ad Black Sea, Stevie Awards, The One Show, The Clios, ADCE, Epica Awards, KIAF, and Baku Flames.In 2025–2026, PSP’s communication campaigns have become some of the most successful and internationally recognized campaigns in Georgia’s history, earning significant recognition on both the local and global stage.

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Tbilisi (GBC) - Ever since the National Wine Agency of Georgia introduced a matory 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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