Productions from the Republic of Srpska are not as renowned as those from other regions, but their popularity is growing and the attendance of some companies at Macfrut confirms this trend and their will to enter important circuits.
"When talking about fruit in the Republic of Srpska, we are mostly referring to apples, pears, plums, cherries, sour cherries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, apricots, grapes and hazelnuts," reads a note from the Chamber of Commerce. "As for vegetables, potatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, beetroots, beans, cabbage and peas predominate."
Many products are purchased mainly from other European countries. The leading countries in terms of exports are Serbia, followed by Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Romania, Germany, North Macedonia, Turkey and others. As for fruit, lower quantities of apples, pears and raspberries in particular are exported to EU countries, with raspberries (Germany) dominating the exports.
"Company representatives generally stress that there have been a few issues at the borders when it comes to fresh fruit, reporting how the working hours of the customs offices and the long waits cause a deterioration of the fruits and an increase in transport costs. In addition, growers stress how Russia used to represent a very important market to them, but the current situation has made things difficult.
Some of the leading companies from the Republic of Srpska will take part in Macfrut. "Their presentation and participation is organized by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. We hope our entrepreneurs will establish new contacts bearing in mind that they will also have the occasion to attend conferences and seminars. We are certain we will acquire new knowledge and competences and that we will apply them in our productions," concludes the note.