President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the “Grand-Agro Invitro” LLC facility and attended the opening of the “Azbadam” LLC almond processing plant.
Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Taleh Zeynalov, Executive Director of “Grand-Agro Invitro” LLC, briefed the President and First Lady on the activities of the enterprise.
The priorities set for diversifying the economy, particularly developing the non-oil sector, are being successfully implemented. At the same time, the share of agricultural products in the non-oil sector is increasing, contributing to food security and reducing dependence on imports.
The “Grand-Agro Invitro” facility and the newly opened “Azbadam” almond processing plant represent successful examples of the development of Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector and agricultural industry.
During the visit, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of developing almond production in Azerbaijan and highlighted the need to preserve the distinctive qualities of local fruit varieties. He noted that local varieties should be given particular attention alongside intensive agricultural production.
Established in 2017, “Grand-Agro Invitro” LLC specializes in producing high-quality fruit and other plant seedlings. Using modern technologies, the enterprise is capable of producing varieties that cannot be propagated through traditional methods, as well as competitive products for both domestic and international markets.
The total investment in the Invitro project amounted to 21 million AZN. The greenhouses use modern drip irrigation and misting systems, while the laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies and meets international standards. The facility has the capacity to produce up to 4 million seedlings annually. A total of 84 people are permanently employed at the enterprise.
The “Azbadam” LLC almond processing plant is the first almond processing facility of its kind in Azerbaijan. The project was implemented in two stages. Between 2017 and 2019, almond orchards covering a total of 427 hectares were established in Qala and Bilgah settlements of the Absheron District, with an investment of 17 million AZN.
The second stage included the construction of the processing plant, completed in September 2021. The total investment amounted to 13.5 million AZN, including a preferential loan of 10 million AZN provided through the Entrepreneurship Development Fund and 3.5 million AZN in founder capital.
The plant is equipped with machinery manufactured by Spain’s Jose Borrell S.A. and has an annual processing capacity of 2,000 tons of almond kernels. Its operations include initial processing, shelling, drying, and sorting.
The development of domestic almond production is expected to significantly reduce Azerbaijan’s dependence on imported almonds and create opportunities for exporting products under the “Made in Azerbaijan” brand to European Union countries, Türkiye, CIS and Central Asian countries, India, the United Arab Emirates, and other international markets.
The enterprise also contributes to employment, with 130 permanent jobs created at the almond processing facility.
