Georgia's pork purchases from Santa Catarina jump 186% in seven months

Pork exports from the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina to Georgia rose 186.1% in volume and 174.4% in revenue between January and July 2026 against the same period of 2025, according to Santa Catarina em Pauta. The figures came out of the first visit to the state by Georgia's ambassador to Brazil, Zurab Mchedlishvili, who was received in Florianopolis on Monday by acting governor Marilisa Boehm.

Georgia among the fastest-growing destinations

Santa Catarina shipped 437,400 tonnes of pork in the first seven months of 2026, with revenue of US$1.09 billion. It was the best result in the historical series for the period in both volume and revenue. Japan remained the main destination, while Georgia and South Korea posted the strongest growth in purchases, the publication reported.

Revenue from the Georgian trade grew more slowly than volume - 174.4% against 186.1% - which means the average price per tonne on that route fell year on year. Expansion of this shape usually reflects a mix weighted toward lower-value cuts and offal, or pricing set to open a new outlet.

Half of Brazil's pork trade sits in one state

Between January and July, Santa Catarina accounted for 48.5% of the volume and 51.3% of the revenue of Brazil's pork exports. In 2025 the state held 50.9% of volume and 51.8% of revenue. A revenue share above the volume share points to a product mix priced above the national average; the slipping volume share points to other producing states expanding faster over the seven months.

Across all meats, Santa Catarina shipped 1.24 million tonnes between January and July 2026 for US$2.84 billion, up 9% in volume and 12.6% in revenue on the same period of 2025. Pork accounts for about a third of that tonnage and roughly 38% of the revenue.

Diplomacy aimed at a broader agenda

The meeting in Florianopolis covered trade, investment, tourism, culture and technology. State officials working on international affairs, investment attraction, culture and tourism presented features of the Santa Catarina economy and projects run by the state government. Boehm said the objective was to widen a commercial relationship that already exists and to identify new areas of cooperation.

Mchedlishvili presented information about Georgia and stressed its position between Europe and Asia, saying the country can work as a connection point for business between the two continents. He signalled he could return to Santa Catarina with Georgian businesspeople and investors for a business round. The agenda also covered education and technology, with both sides aiming to widen contacts between the two governments and assess joint projects.

Points for exporters to track

• Whether the announced business round takes place and which Georgian importers take part.
• The price per tonne on the Georgian route, given that revenue is growing more slowly than volume.
• Santa Catarina's share of national pork volume, down from 50.9% in 2025 to 48.5% in the first seven months of 2026.
• Japan's position as lead destination against the faster growth in Georgia and South Korea.