Few professionals manage to weave international experience, academic excellence, and grassroots impact into a single narrative, but Ekaterine Vepkhvadze has done just that. With a career spanning diplomacy, international consulting, and agriculture, her journey reflects a rare balance of purpose, innovation, and perseverance.
Ekaterine’s path is deeply rooted in Georgia, yet far-reaching in ambition. From the university halls of Tbilisi to the farms touched by global trade, she has consistently turned challenges into opportunities, especially for the small producers who often remain unheard. Her venture, AgriTouch, stands as a testament to what happens when visionary thinking meets practical execution in a sector that is both vital and vulnerable.
This feature explores the milestones that shaped her entrepreneurial mission, the values that guide her leadership, and the bold steps she’s taking to modernize agriculture in Georgia. Through insightful reflections and actionable wisdom, Ekaterine opens a window into the complex world of agribusiness, where trust, resilience, and innovation drive long-term change.
Keep reading to discover how one woman’s commitment to bridging local growers with international markets is creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for agriculture.
Background and Inspiration
Could you briefly tell us about your background and how it led you to start your business?
I hold an MBA in Management Consulting from Grenoble Graduate School of Business (France) and Caucasus School of Business, along with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Tbilisi State University. My professional journey spans over 15 years across business education, agricultural consulting, and international trade. I’ve held leadership roles as a consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and participated in the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program in fruit and vegetable value chain development at the University of California, Fresno.
In 2018, I founded AgriTouch, driven by a mission to elevate Georgia’s agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and export readiness. AgriTouch reflects my commitment to merging international expertise with on-the-ground impact, bridging small producers to global markets.
Market Focus and Positioning
What does your business focus on, and how is it positioned in the market?
AgriTouch focuses on premium fruit production, particularly blueberries, and offers full-cycle consulting, export logistics, and market integration for farmers. We position ourselves as a trusted partner for quality and transparency in a fragmented industry. By merging on-ground agricultural expertise with international market insights, we act as both a producer and a connector, ensuring traceability, consistency, and value for both growers and buyers.
Growth Vision
What are your plans for growth or expansion in the near future?
We are expanding our operations by reviving old orchards, establishing model farms, and investing in cold-chain infrastructure to preserve fruit quality post-harvest. We’re also deepening partnerships in the GCC and Indian markets.
Year in Review
How has this year impacted your business, and what are your goals moving forward?
This year has been transformational. Despite global uncertainty, we secured new contracts, built international trust, and modernized our operations. It reaffirmed the need for resilient, quality-driven supply chains in agriculture.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to startups or entrepreneurs in your industry?
Focus on building trust, not just products. Agriculture is personal, relationships matter. Embrace innovation, but stay grounded in real needs. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before starting. Start with a clear purpose, stay adaptable, and build partnerships based on shared values. And most importantly, keep showing up. Consistency grows deeper roots than any overnight success.
Conclusion
Ekaterine Vepkhvadze’s journey is more than a story of entrepreneurship, it is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and purposeful leadership in transforming traditional industries. Through AgriTouch, she has not only empowered local farmers but also redefined what it means to connect local produce with global opportunity.
Her unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and trust has positioned her as a changemaker in Georgia’s agricultural landscape. As she continues to expand her reach and strengthen international ties, Ekaterine remains guided by a clear mission: to build a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable future for agriculture.
In a world where the food supply chain faces constant uncertainty, leaders like Ekaterine remind us that meaningful progress begins at the roots, with commitment, consistency, and a clear purpose. Her journey continues to inspire, paving the way for others to lead with impact and integrity.
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Hridesh
I truly loved reading this inspiring journey of Ekaterine Vepkhvadze. Her determination and vision are truly admirable. Stories like hers remind us how passion and persistence can pave the way for impactful change. Thank you for sharing such a motivating piece!