Tea Business in Georgia

What is the situation like in terms of the development of the tea business in Georgia? The head of the Association of Tea Producers Tengiz Svanidze has told TV3 that the number of tea plantations is decreasing, and therefore, so is the production and distribution of tea products. However, he adds that this area has a potential for development. Compiling a full inventory and documentation is needed to realise this potential, according to Mr. Svanidze.
According to the data supplied by the Association of Tea Producers, 18 000 hectares of land are currently being taken up by tea plantations, even though only 2000 hectares are actually being used to plant tea, while the rest of the land is unsuitable for this purpose.