SANTE GMT PRODUCT PROJECT

UNCLAS TBILISI 000391 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CARC, EEB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EINV EFIN GG SUBJECT: SANTE GMT PRODUCT PROJECT REF: STATE 15789 ¶1. Summary: In response to reftel, Post's inquiry into Sante GMT Products (Sante) revealed no negative information that would impede issuance of OPIC credit to the company. End Summary. ¶2. Sante is the largest dairy manufacturer in Georgia. Its juices enjoy a good reputation among Georgia's consumers. Sante holds a 50 percent share of the market in terms of dairy products, and roughly five to ten percent of the juice market. The juice market is currently dominated by imported goods (mostly Russian). ¶3. Sante has suffered from the effects of the August war, as its distribution to conflict areas has been limited. Despite this, its sales revenues are still higher when compared to the same period in ¶2008. ¶4. In general, compared to other sectors of the economy, dairy manufacturing remains resilient. The dairy industry has been largely unaffected by the economic crisis, and the overall outlook for the industry is positive. Consumption has not decreased in a visible way due to the conflict or economic crisis. ¶5. Post is unaware of any negative information concerning the financial standing of Sante. Additionally, Post has no negative information regarding terrorism, money laundering, corruption or other charges about the owners and managers of Sante. TEFFT