FruitNet Forum South-East Europe was held at the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, a specialized business event for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, where more than 40 producers and exporters from Serbia and the Western Balkan region had the opportunity to meet 10 prestigious European buyers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as Champion-Fruit Kft – Hungary, ICA – Sweden, Arctic – Poland/Norway, Eurogroup – Italy, Consorfrut – Poland, Greenyard – Belgium and others.
The goal of the event is to connect Serbian and regional producers with foreign buyers, and that on the home ground, so that business opportunities are available to as many participants as possible and at lower costs compared to appearances at large international fairs. Also, global turbulence, climate change and inflation have shortened many supply chains, thereby opening up space for Serbia and the region to position themselves more actively on export markets.
Fruitnet Forum South East Europe 2023 is organized in partnership by the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia and the international media house Fruitnet Media International, with the support of the Project “Big Small Economy” financed by the American Agency for International Development (USAID).
“The forum is aimed at small and medium-sized companies, producers who can hardly reach customers at this level. The meetings are well prepared in advance, all customers know very well what to expect, but what is even more important, small and medium-sized companies are prepared to present themselves and start or continue the internationalization of their business”, said Mihailo Vesović, director of the Strategic Analysis Sector. , services and internationalization of PKS. The market of fresh fruits and vegetables is very important for the overall economy and agriculture of Serbia, Vesović points out and states that fruits and vegetables make up 25 percent of our exports and that half of that fruit ends up on the demanding EU market. He announces that due to the importance of this sector of agricultural production, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and its partners will organize the FruitNet Forum South-East Europe next year.
“The Serbian and regional food industry has a huge potential for growth. Adapting to crises, maintaining competitiveness and connecting with customers are key. Today we can discuss these vital issues with trade experts, learn about market trends and make meaningful business connections. USAID is proud to support today’s gathering, which helps agribusinesses from Serbia connect with the world,” said Naida Zečević Bin, Director of the Office for Democratic and Economic Development, USAID Serbia, at the opening of the event.
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