China is expanding its poultry import portfolio through a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Georgia.
The agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation in agriculture and environmental management while giving China additional access to chicken meat products—especially chicken legs and necks, which remain in high demand across its domestic market.
This move reflects China’s ongoing strategy to diversify protein import sources. With global supply chains under pressure and domestic consumption on the rise, China is seeking new, stable partners to meet its evolving needs.
Georgia’s niche advantage
As Chinese consumers increasingly favor specific poultry cuts, the country is prioritizing suppliers that can deliver consistent volume, competitive pricing, and reliable quality.
Georgia, though a smaller producer in global poultry production, offers an efficient complementary supply channel for these popular cuts.
Zurab Uchumbegashvili, Head of the Georgian Poultry Development Association and founder of Kumisi, noted that the agreement aligns well with China’s consumption trends. He emphasized that Georgia is well-positioned to meet this targeted demand.
Undervalued cuts, high-value market
In an interview on Commersant radio, Mr Uchumbegashvili explained that chicken legs and necks, while undervalued in Georgia, are prized in China. Culinary traditions and consumer preferences there sustain strong, consistent demand for these parts.
He said chicken legs and necks accounted for 41% of all poultry imports into China last year. Despite efforts to boost domestic production, China continues to rely on international suppliers to meet demand across retail, foodservice, and processed food sectors.
Broader food security and market access
The new MoU also supports China’s broader food security goals. By diversifying its import sources, the country reduces dependence on a few major exporters and gains flexibility in the face of disruptions, disease outbreaks, and price volatility.
For Georgia, the agreement opens a premium export market for poultry cuts that are less popular at home. By exporting these parts at higher prices, producers can lower the cost of whole bird production and gradually expand output.
Building a reliable trade channel
Improved export consistency could help Georgia establish itself as a dependable supplier in Asia’s growing poultry trade.
As implementation advances, the China-Georgia deal will deepen agricultural trade ties and boost China’s access to high-demand poultry from reliable new sources.