To safeguard, develop, and promote Georgia`s gastronomic heritage, enhance its international recognition, and ensure the formulation and implementation of a unified state policy in the field of gastronomy, a new Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL), the National Gastronomy Agency, has been established within the system of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. The respective Government Decree will enter into force on 20 July 2026.

The Agency will be responsible for researching, preserving, and promoting Georgia`s gastronomic heritage, including improving the legal mechanisms for its protection. Moreover, it will facilitate effective coordination among public institutions and stakeholders while contributing to increasing the competitiveness of local products in both domestic and international markets.

Gastronomy represents one of the fundamental pillars of a country`s cultural identity and social development, encompassing traditions, knowledge, and distinctive culinary practices that shape national identity and significantly influence a country`s international image.

The growing interest among both international and domestic consumers in authentic gastronomic products creates additional opportunities for Georgia.

Notably, the technologies and traditional methods used in the production of several distinguished food products have been inscribed on Georgia`s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, including Dambalkhacho, Qvevri Wine, Meskhetian Tenili Cheese, Churchkhela, and other unique products representing invaluable components of Georgia’s gastronomic heritage. Furthermore, Georgia is internationally recognized as the cradle of wine, with an uninterrupted winemaking tradition spanning approximately 8,000 years, providing the country with a unique competitive advantage on the global stage.

Accordingly, the Agency`s activities will substantially strengthen regional development processes, support the diversification of agriculture, and facilitate the commercialization of traditional local products. These efforts will help to increase the incomes of rural populations, stimulate rural economic development, and promote the growth of local production.

The Agency`s activities will further enhance Georgia’s tourism potential, particularly by fostering the development of gastronomic tourism.

In addition, it will strengthen the protection and utilization of geographical indications and appellations of origin, thereby safeguarding product quality, authenticity, and reputation while enhancing consumer confidence.