A general strike in Serbia today (Friday, 24 January 2025), called by students after months of protests is having a minimal effect on the fresh produce industry according to industry insiders. The fresh produce industry insiders say while some logistics in major cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad are affected, trading is taking place as normal.
The city of Novi Sad viewed across the Danube River. Picture Clayton Swart
The protest action by students has now seen their lecturers, teachers, trade unions, and small businesses joining in. The momentum has been building after dissatisfaction with the government following a disaster last November, when a newly renovated canopy at a train station in the city of Novi Sad collapsed, sadly killing 15 and severely injuring two people. The Serbian President, Aleksandar Vučić announced that he will hold a large counter-rally in Jagodina today to launch a "movement for the state and the people" initiative.
A Serbian fresh produce industry member commented: "The strikes have no influence on the fresh produce industry, work keeps going on. We don't have any issues as a result of the strike action. For now, there's no problem, they are in the schools and faculties. Sometimes they go out on the streets, but there's no problem for now. The fruit markets and supplies are on a good level, there's no issue."
Agro Belgrade fair taking place next week, not expected to be affected
The general strike and protest action comes just before the annual Agro Belgrade Fair, which is set to take place less than a week from now. Next Thursday, 30 January to 1 February the Belgrade Fairgrounds is set to host participants from across Europe and the Balkans. Organisers of the show said the protest action would not directly affect the show.
"The strikes don't seem to affect the fruit and vegetables sector much except for the logistics. So far, there were no indications that the protests impacted production, distribution or sales of fruit and vegetables. The issue might be only the logistics of moving through the city on the days of the fair, no participants mentioned anything else to be the issue."
They expect thousands of visitors to attend the fair. "We expect more than 50,000 visitors and over 500 exhibitors. The B2B Zone will take place on the second day of the fair, January 31, attracting significant interest from participants across the Balkan region and Europe. The will be 28 buyers specializing in fresh, frozen, and processed fruits and vegetables who will participate. They represent countries such as Romania, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Western Balkans, and others. In addition, over 80 companies from Serbia, the Western Balkans, and Greece will take part. This year's event features the highest number of participants and meetings since the B2B Zone was first organized at the Agro Belgrade fair in 2020. Traditionally, the opening day of the fair features a rich conference program, offering the opportunity to present key insights for domestic and regional fruit and vegetable producers through the 2024 Export Analysis and Market Outlook for 2025," conclude the fair organisers.
For more information:
info@agrobelgrade.com
www.AgroBelgrade.com