The cherry production in Serbia was good this year, says Nikola Milojevic, purchasing and sales manager of Serbian fresh produce exporter Delta Agrar: “In 2023 we’ve reached a higher cherry harvest in comparison to previous years. In the current ongoing season, we expect a total production of about 400 tons of cherries. This is three times higher than it was last year, which can be attributed to the more favourable climate conditions we’ve experienced this season. For our cherries, the main export markets are in European countries, mostly the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom.”
Although the cherry season appears to be a successful one, the season wasn’t without its challenges, Milojevic explains. “Currently, it looks like it will be one of the most successful seasons for our company, with the projected quantity of 400 tons, which is about 50% higher than last year. Until now, we have collected and delivered 100 tons and we’re very satisfied with the quality and overall condition of the cherries. This year’s production of cherries was very challenging. spring frosts, greater quantity of rainfall and humidity of air. Our system is equipped with protective films, used as protection from external factors, but besides that we’ve had unfortunate weather conditions, which impacted the chemical protection of fruit. However, because of our modern system of rain protection, we didn't have any crackings of fruit, even though it was raining almost every day in June, so finally our quality was perfect. ”
Milojevic is confident in the expertise of his company, as they’ve modernized the process as much as possible: “Our company has the biggest and most modern cherry orchard in Serbia, on the total area of 35 hectares. There are a few other producers, with an acreage of around 20ha, but with significantly lower production standards. Additionally, there are plenty of small producers, acreage up to 2ha, which we are working closely with, in order to share our know-how in order to distrubute their product to the final customers. We don’t expect that there will be major changes with our competitors. In addition, our strategy is to grow production of cherries, and therefore this year we were planting new 3ha.” he concludes.
For more information:
Nikola Milojevic
Delta Agrar
Tel: +381652652188
Email: nikola.milojevic@deltaagrar.rs
www.deltaagrar.rs