Matching hot processed Serbian fruits and vegetables with international buyers
Serbia’s fruits and vegetables (F&V) industry is one of the leading sectors of the Serbian economy. Even though there are many small F&V producers, their export potential is relatively low. This is due to lack of structure and linkages with the local traders and international buyers.
Products
Jams, purees, dried and canned productsYear
2020 – 2021
Country
SerbiaType of activity
- Business Matching
- Strategy Development
Year
2020 – 2021
Country
SerbiaType of activity
- Business Matching
- Strategy Development
The purpose of this activity was to assist the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) by conducting a market analysis and by supporting the export growth of small, medium, and large Serbian F&V processing companies.
This activity helped to showcase the perspectives of the Serbian domestic food processing industry. It also revealed the roads to global value chains and interfirm linkages. It created a shift towards expanding market segments, for example, Industry, Hotels & Restaurants and Private Label. Furthermore, it also helped to define improved strategies for Serbian F&V processing companies.
Activities
The activities took place in the following sequence:- Conducting profound market research for selected heat-processed F&V market segments (Industry, Foodservice, Private Label) in targeted export markets (EU, EFTA, and CEFTA).
- Identification of priority fruits and vegetables typical for the key F&V growing regions in Serbia with the best chances to be produced competitively. Focussing on added value (processed) products with high growth potential.
- Examination of availability and competitiveness of resources necessary for heat processed F&V products (raw materials, suppliers base, human capital, technologies, and production capacities).
- Development of sector export strategy for Serbian heat-processed fruits and vegetables, applying a value chain-based approach.
- Supporting the development and delivery of virtual introductions for the Serbian firms to targeted European buyers.
Results
The project helped the attendees to gain a better market understanding, an improved strategy formulation, and introductions to new and previously unknown European buyers of hot processed fruits and vegetables.- Market analysis revealing new export markets and opportunities for diversification for Serbian fruits and vegetables.
- Development of sector export strategy
- 25 market linkages facilitated
- Virtual presentations of Serbian firms to international buyers
