Despite a challenging 2022, the Serbian fresh fruit export sector still represents 20% of the country’s exports, participants heard at last week’s Agro Belgrade 2023 exhibition. Known for its raspberry production, the country has also invested more in strawberries and blueberries production, with an ideal climate for these fruit producers at the show stated. However, they say investment in new technology and infrastructure is challenging because it is very costly to import.
Click to view the photo report of the Agro Belgrade 2023 exhibition.
The show was held from 26 to 28 January 2023. Despite snowy conditions on the first day, there was a good flow of participants to the show. A number of berry producers, nurseries, machinery, and other suppliers to the agricultural sector had booths with products on display. Several provinces of Serbia showcased a mix of local produce.
Serbia’s two key export markets, Russia and German, have seen decreases in exports over the past five years. According to Alekasander Pavlovic, who heads the US Aid-sponsored organization in Serbia, his country has decreased their share of key exports to Russia by -45.2% since 2017. In turn, they have increased their market share in the rest of Europe, including France, Austria, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Serbia has also seen an increase in exports to the US and Britain over the same period.
“Last year, fresh raspberries and blackberries decreased by -21.6% and strawberries by -28.5% in value. Frozen raspberries and blackberries [representing the bulk of the berry exports] decreased by -13.2%. The frozen raspberry market collapsed last year. We saw a decrease in Germany. Apples also saw a decrease of -7.7%,” stated Pavlovic to the audience at a seminar held at the show.
Local supermarket representatives informed the audience about the efforts they are making to buy more local Serbian fresh produce.
Julica Toskik from Serbia Does Fruit said after Brexit, her country is well positioned to take advantage of the market to export apples to the UK. “Serbia positioned itself as a reliable quality supplier to the UK. We can airfreight to markets if we can cover the transport costs from Serbia to the rest of the EU because there are good prices in those markets. The key is good cooperation with buyers in the markets,” she told the delegates at the conference.
Click to view the photo report of the Agro Belgrade 2023 exhibition.
For more information:
Neda Mirković Živanović
Agro Belgrade
Tel.: +381 64 175 2001
Email: office@agrobelgrade.com
http://agrobelgrade.com/