Giga Kiparoidze - Agro Culture +

I'm Giga Kiparoidze, an economist and the person behind a tea processing factory in Mandaeti, Chiatura. Nestled in the high mountains, our tea grows in pure and untouched surroundings. Given today's trend towards eco-friendly and organic products, I believe our tea is on the verge of catching the attention of many.

Let me dive into my journey.

Back in 2019, I decided to delve into organic production. It was during this time I discovered the GRETA project, which was all about organic production. Our goals matched, and it was a game-changer for me. With the project's resources, I got my hands on machinery essential for processing tea. To be honest, when I realized that my tea venture had progressed so much, it felt like I was living a dream. That dream quickly turned to reality, leading me to market my products. I even showcased our teas at global events, establishing ties that I continue to nurture.

A significant part of my journey was about making a mark in the local market. I used various marketing tools: from videos and TV spots to online promotions. This effort made a huge difference, as more local businesses started recognizing our brand.

The story doesn’t end here. As the desire for bio-organic goods grew, the need for a bio-certification was clear. So, I ventured into the certification process. Alongside this, I took steps to secure the ISO 22000 quality stamp. Come next year, and our products will proudly wear both these badges.

Quality has been my north star. The superior machinery and training I received truly honed our production caliber.

The road wasn’t always smooth. Embarking on such a journey and embracing cutting-edge methods was a challenge. Yet, I believe that staying updated and seizing the right opportunities is vital in our industry. I’ve learned that firsthand, and it's my recipe for success.

Now, I'm setting my sights even higher. I plan to scale up production and play a part in boosting eco-tourism in Chiatura. The dream is to rejuvenate our region in this domain.

To wrap up, I'd like to say that I’m always on the lookout for fresh partnerships and collaborations.