The First Tea Factories in Georgia

Abstract

Tea farming and tea industry in Georgia is a non-traditional branch of economy. Its development began in the 80s of the 19th century and continued until the end of the Soviet regime. It has become the leading branch of Georgian economy. The first tea factories in Georgia were organized before the Soviet Union. Their construction was due to the introduction and spread of tea culture, the increase in the production of raw materials.
Along with private entrepreneurs, the Russian government was also interested in the development of tea-brewing and tea industry. The initiators of this case were Solovyov, Popov, Nakashidze, the Royal Office and others. They planted tea plantations, built the first tea factories. Solovtsov built the first tea processing plant in Buknar village of Chakvi valley. The Popov tea factory was located in Salibauri, which was commissioned in 1898. Chakvi royal manor tea factory was put into operation in 1899.
In the following years, Sinitsin, Verderevski, Diadyusha, Nakashidze tea factories, treasury factory in Zvana village of Ozurgeti Mazri were added to them. Thus, 8 tea factories were working in Georgia before the First World War. 6 of them were in Adjara, and 2 in Guria. After the establishment of the Soviet government, tea factories were nationalized. Small tea factories were closed, and medium and large factories were declared state property.