Forum has an eye on South-East Europe

The first in a new series of discussion and networking events designed to promote interest, investment and innovation in new and emerging areas of the fresh produce business, has been announced by Fruitnet Media International.

Taking place in Belgrade, Serbia, on 29-30 November 2016, Fruitnet Forum South-East Europe, will focus on the strong potential to develop and grow the fresh fruit and vegetable industry in the region. It will feature presentations from key players with a direct involvement in south-east Europe’s horticultural sector, as well as expert comment and analysis from a mixture of regional and international players, including retailers, importers, exporters, producers and service providers.

Growing opportunities
Interest, and indeed investment, in south-east Europe is certainly at an all-time high, largely as a result of various EU programmes that together are pouring hundreds of millions of euros into projects throughout the region. These include the European Union Danube Transnational Programme, the Balkan-Mediterranean Programme and the Adriatic Ionian Programme, all of which are backed by the European Regional Development Fund and IPA II – the EU’s €11.7bn Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.

With Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia already members of the EU, the prospect of the region’s remaining official candidates – Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia – and potential candidates Bosnia and Kosovo, taking a similar step appears likely, albeit by no means guaranteed. As a result, investors have an opportunity to create supply in the region that might soon be able to tap into a massive, tariff-free market.

At the same time, growth could well come in markets to the east. Serbia, for example, is currently negotiating a trade deal with the Eurasian Economic Union.

South-east Europe also has structural advantages as a potential source of fresh fruit and vegetables, not least a geographically strategic position between Europe and Asia. Belgrade itself lies at the intersection of Pan-European Corridors VII and X, the latter connecting Europe with Turkey and the Middle East beyond.

For producers in the region, there is also an opportunity to catch up fast and take advantage of many decades of learning in other countries, for example in areas such as good agricultural practice, certification and the use of modern technology and techniques.

To learn more visit www.cvent.com.

For more information:
Marija Cvetkovic
Fruitnet Media
Tel: +44 (0)20 7501 3707
Fax: +44 (0)20 7501 0306
www.fruitnet.com