From Small Town to Big Standards: How One Georgian Bakery is Redefining Success
How a women-led confectionery business in Akhaltsikhe is growing to EU standards with the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line support
From a local café to a new standard-setter in Georgian confectionery
In the southern Georgian town of Akhaltsikhe, the aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries has long been part of everyday life. Behind this success stands LTD SL Company+, a women-led confectionery business founded in 2021 by Lali Samsonidze-Melikidze, which in just a few years has grown from a small café-restaurant into a rapidly expanding food producer.
Now, with the support of the EBRD and the EU, the company has taken a decisive step forward by transforming its operations into a modern, energy-efficient and EU-aligned production facility.
Growth based on European standards
With its production of biscuits, dry cakes, pastries, bread and confectionery, LTD SL Company+ supplies both local consumers and the HORECA sector. The company currently employs 57 people and, following the investment, this number increased to over 80, while new branches are planned in Tbilisi, Gori, Rustavi, Borjomi and Akhalkalaki.
The project was completed in June 2023 and focused on installing modern confectionery production and cold-chain equipment, all in line with EU requirements. The new machinery improves occupational health and safety by reducing physical strain, noise and vibration for employees. At the same time, it enhances environmental performance by lowering energy consumption, reducing waste and using ecological refrigerants. Product quality and food safety have also been strengthened through the application of HACCP principles and the ongoing process of obtaining ISO 22000 certification for the new facility.
“We are building a future, not just a factory”
For the founder, Lali Samsonidze-Melikidze, the investment represents a deeply personal milestone:
“When I started this business, I dreamed of creating something that would last, something my team could be proud of. With EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line’s support, we are not just buying equipment – we are building a future. A future where our people work safely, our products meet European standards, and our company grows in a way that respects the environment and our community.”
A model for Georgian SMEs
With the EU and the EBRD support LTD SL Company+ is now positioned as a modern, competitive and sustainable food producer, demonstrating how regional Georgian SMEs can grow while aligning with EU best practices.
The Story was originally published in Forbes Georgia: https://forbes.ge/patara-qalaqidan-evropul-standartebamde-rogor-tsvlis-erthi-qarthuli-satskhobi-tsarmatebis-gagebas/
