Georgia, a country known for its rich cuisine and wine, has developed a new taste for crabs. According to the latest data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (GEOSTAT), the import of frozen crabs in Georgia increased by 520% in 2023, reaching 1.49 tons worth 24.73 thousand dollars. This is a remarkable growth compared to the previous year, when only 0.24 tons of crabs worth 4.75 thousand dollars were imported.
Where Do the Crabs Come From?
The main source of crabs for Georgia is Turkey, which supplied 0.40 tons of crabs worth 3.02 thousand dollars in 2023. Turkey has been the leader in crab exports to Georgia for the past few years, thanks to its proximity and low prices. However, Georgia also diversified its crab imports from other countries, such as France, Germany, Armenia, Netherlands, Greece, and Sri Lanka. These countries offer different varieties and qualities of crabs, such as king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, and blue crab. The most expensive crabs came from France, which sold 0.25 tons of crabs worth 9.48 thousand dollars to Georgia in 2023.
Why Do Georgians Love Crabs?
The reasons behind the increasing demand for crabs in Georgia are not clear, but some possible factors are:
- The influence of foreign cuisines and cultures, especially from Asia and Europe, where crabs are popular delicacies.
- The availability and affordability of frozen crabs, which can be easily stored and prepared at home or in restaurants.
- The health benefits of crabs, which are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
- The novelty and diversity of crabs, which offer a different taste and texture from the traditional Georgian meat and fish dishes.
How Do Georgians Eat Crabs?
There is no standard way of cooking or eating crabs in Georgia, as different regions and households may have their own preferences and recipes. However, some common methods are:
- Boiling or steaming the crabs and serving them with butter, lemon, garlic, or spicy sauces.
- Baking or grilling the crabs and stuffing them with cheese, herbs, nuts, or rice.
- Making soups or stews with crab meat and vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, or corn.
- Adding crab meat to salads, sandwiches, pies, or pastries.
What Are the Challenges and Opportunities for the Crab Sector in Georgia?
The rising import of crabs in Georgia indicates a potential market opportunity for the local producers and suppliers of crabs. However, there are also some challenges and risks involved, such as:
- The lack of domestic production and regulation of crabs, which may affect the quality and safety of the imported products.
- The competition and price fluctuations in the global crab market, which may affect the profitability and sustainability of the crab trade.
- The environmental and ethical issues related to the crab fishing and farming, which may harm the marine ecosystems and the welfare of the crabs.
- The cultural and religious barriers that may limit the acceptance and consumption of crabs among some segments of the Georgian society.
Therefore, the crab sector in Georgia needs to develop a strategic and holistic approach that balances the supply and demand, the quality and price, the innovation and tradition, and the social and environmental aspects of the crab business.
