Parliamentary commission chair highlights retailers’ role in price transparency

Shota Berekashvili, chairman of the Georgian parliamentary temporary commission studying pricing mechanisms, has emphasised the “key role” of retail networks in determining food and fast-moving consumer goods prices.

Speaking at a commission session on Monday, Berekashvili said the four major companies present, including Carrefour Georgia, account for roughly 71% of the organised retail market, making them socially and economically responsible for ensuring fair pricing.

He noted that the pricing chain spans producers, importers, and distributors, but retail operators hold the most influence over final consumer prices. Transparent and well-managed retail practices, he said, are essential to maintain competitiveness and protect consumers.

During the session, Davit Karkashadze, Carrefour Georgia’s CEO, explained the company’s rebate system, used both to compensate services provided to suppliers and to reduce prices on essential products such as sugar, oil, bread, and rice, ensuring affordability for consumers.