With a significant production volume, Serbia stands as a key player in the European apple market. However, recent challenges have emerged in maintaining market positions and exploring new export opportunities. Ukraine has entered the market as a formidable competitor, particularly in the Middle and Far East regions, offering apples at lower prices. This development has prompted concerns among Croatian apple producers about the sustainability of their market presence due to competitive pressures and the influx of cheaper imports. They report difficulties in selling their produce locally as a strategy for survival.
The situation is compounded by adverse weather conditions and the presence of imported goods in commercial outlets, leading to an oversupply of local fruit from the previous season. Market pressures have reached a point where apple buyers are reportedly offering prices as low as 1 cent per kilogram, a rate described as unsustainable for producers. Despite previous successes in exporting to the Middle East, Serbian producers are currently facing a challenging global market environment.
Source: slobodenpecat.mk