GHA Year-Round Strawberry Production Facility

Overview

Welcome to the GHA Year-Round Strawberry Production Facility, a groundbreaking agribusiness initiative aimed at transforming Georgia into a leader in high-tech, sustainable strawberry cultivation. This unique, first-of-its-kind model integrates cutting-edge controlled-environment agriculture to establish a 12-month harvesting cycle, ensuring a reliable and continuous supply of premium-quality strawberries throughout the year.

By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and global best practices, this project positions Georgia at the forefront of modern agriculture and export-oriented production. With its promising outlook, the project not only addresses the region’s food security challenges but also creates a hub of knowledge and innovation that will serve as a beacon for advanced greenhouse production in the Imereti region and beyond.

Greenhouse Cluster Development and Infrastructure

The GHA Year-Round Strawberry Production Facility is more than just a single project - it is the pilot investment initiative within a larger vision of establishing a Greenhouse Cluster Infrastructure on GHA-reserved 52.9 hectares of agricultural land. This cluster will serve as a center of excellence for industrialized greenhouse production, combining cutting-edge infrastructure with comprehensive utility and logistical support to foster growth and innovation.

This pioneering infrastructure model includes:

Energy Supply: Reliable access to natural gas and electricity, utilizing Combined Heat and Power (CHP)technology to efficiently generate electricity from natural gas, minimizing operational costs.
Water Supply & Disposal: Abundant drinking and irrigation water with advanced circular irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems, coupled with state-of-the-art wastewater disposal systems for irrigation, black, and grey water management.
Logistical Infrastructure: Well-planned road networks and transportation routes to streamline distribution and maintain supply chain efficiency.
Security Systems: Modern, integrated security measures to safeguard valuable agricultural assets and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Educational and Training Facilities: The GHA-owned production facilities are designed to function as vocational training centers, where advanced greenhouse technologies are demonstrated and taught. Through strategic partnerships with global leaders in agriculture and technology, GHA is committed to fostering a knowledge hub in the Imereti region that will shape the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The Greenhouse Cluster is not just an investment opportunity—it’s an invitation to become part of Georgia’s transformation into an agricultural innovation leader. Whether through lease or purchase, greenhouse farmers and investors from Georgia and beyond are welcome to join this dynamic ecosystem and benefit from a fully integrated, high-tech production environment.

Unmatched Year-Round Production Capacity

The state-of-the-art high-tech glass greenhouse is designed to deliver exceptional productivity, enabling consistent yields throughout the year. This revolutionary model facilitates continuous harvesting with monthly yields totaling up to 1.3 million kilograms annually. By maintaining precise control over climate conditions, lighting, irrigation, and ventilation, the greenhouse ensures optimal growth regardless of external weather variations. This innovative approach not only addresses offseason supply challenges but also contributes significantly to Georgia’s food security and export potential.

Project Location

The facility is strategically located in Mukhiani, Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti Region, covering a total area of 52.9 hectares. The site’s proximity to Kutaisi International Airport and major logistics routes makes it a prime location for both domestic distribution and international export.

Key Production Facilities

The facility will consist of the following components:

High-Tech Glass Greenhouse (4 ha):
- Year-round strawberry production with 8-month high-yield capacity.
- Automated systems for climate control, lighting, and irrigation.
- Monthly yield potential of up to 108,000 kg, totaling 1.3 million kg annually.
Propagation Center (up to 1 ha):
- Fully automated, high-tech facility for seedling production.
- Capacity of up to 90,000 strawberry seedlings and 17,000 fruit tree seedlings annually.
Tunnel Greenhouses (up to 6 ha):
- Advanced ventilation and screening systems for fruit tree seedlings and seasonal crops.
Outdoor Nurseries and Plantations (up to 3 ha):
- Dedicated to strawberries, fruit trees, and tulips.
- Production capacity includes 800,000 tulips and 15,000 fruit trees of 8 specially selected varieties annually.

Production Metrics

Annual Strawberry Production: Up to 1.3 million kg of strawberries.
Revenue Projections: Estimated at more than $6 million per year.
Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Approximately 21.5%.

Strategic Objectives

Import Substitution: Address the deficit of 3.69 million kg/year of imported strawberries.
Export Orientation: Establish Georgia as a leading exporter of high-quality strawberries in the Caucasus and beyond.
Job Creation and Knowledge Transfer: Generate up to 180 jobs and promote modern agricultural practices through continuous training.
Food Security and Sustainability: Enhance domestic supply and reduce dependence on imported produce.

Investment Structure

The project’s total investment is estimated at $22 million, structured as follows:

Equity Financing: 20%
Loan Financing: 80%
Financing Period: 10 years
Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) and IFIs (such as Atradius, ADB, FMO) will support funding.

Technology and Innovation

The facility will incorporate advanced technologies, including:

Automated Climate Control Systems
Advanced Irrigation Techniques
Energy-Efficient Lighting and Heating Systems
CHP (Combined Heat and Power) Technology
Robotics and Automation

Social and Economic Impact

Employment Generation: Up to 180 jobs in production, logistics, and management.
Community Development: Providing vocational training and hands-on learning opportunities.
Economic Boost: Strengthening local agriculture and expanding Georgia’s export capacity.

Implementation and Milestones

Phase 1: Concept Development and Feasibility (by May 2025)

Production Planning and Feasibility Assessment
Greenhouse Design and Technology Selection
Business Plan and Financial Modeling

Phase 2: Implementation and Commissioning (by 2027)

Greenhouse and Propagation Center Construction
Technology Installation from global leaders (Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Itali, etc.)
Full Operationalization and Market Launch

Conclusion

The GHA Year-Round Strawberry Production Facility is more than just a production site - it’s a bold vision for the future of Georgian agriculture. By building a robust, technologically advanced hub in the Imereti region, GHA is fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

We invite investors, partners, and agricultural innovators to join us on this transformative journey. Be part of a groundbreaking project that not only reshapes Georgia’s agricultural landscape but also sets a new standard for year-round production in the region and beyond. Let’s cultivate success together - welcome to the future of sustainable strawberry production!