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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Successful participation of Serbian fruit and vegetable producers at Fruit Logistica fair

Belgrade, 13 February 2006

The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management stated today that at this year's Berlin fair Fruit Logistica, at which Serbian firms were presented for the first time, prospective partners showed great interest in Serbian products.

The statement says that over 350 contacts were made at the fair and estimations are that at least 10% of them will be realised through concrete deals, which means that a turnover of more than €3 million will be made for the next season, as well as $1.5 million through two contracts that have already been signed.

This fair is one of the most significant gatherings of producers of fresh fruit and vegetables, the statements says and adds that Serbian products were presented at a national stand through the offer of four companies. Agricultural complex PIK Juzni Banat presented itself with a programme of fresh fruit and vegetables consisting of apples and peaches, the Libertas company exhibited fresh and frozen raspberries, blackberries, sour cherries and plums, the IGDA company had a large range of forest and cultivated mushrooms and truffles from Serbia, and the Naturacoop company offered fresh fruits and vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli and carrots.

The participation of these firms at Fruit Logistica was organised by the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (www.minpolj.sr.gov.yu), the Serbian Investment and Export Promotion Agency (www.siepa.sr.gov.yu), the Serbian Enterprise Development Project, financed by the USAID (www.usaid.gov), and the German Organisation for Technical Cooperation GTZ (www.gtz.de) together with the Programme of Support to Economic Development and Employment in Serbia (WBF).

In Berlin this year from February 2 to 4 more than 1,600 companies from 64 countries exhibited their products on an exhibition area covering more than 60,000 square meters. The fair was visited by more than 35,000 visitors from 112 countries. Even though only four domestic companies took part in the exhibition on the Serbian stand, a large number of foreign buyers had a chance to get to know the quality of fruits and vegetables Serbia has to offer.

The statement reads that a growing worldwide demand has been noted for quality fresh fruits and vegetables, and that a higher price can be secured by making these products available on the market out of season, as well as making sure that the packaging of individual “portions” is of the required quality, made from suitable materials and designed according to modern world standards.

Representatives of domestic firms that exhibited in Berlin especially stressed that the fair enhanced their knowledge of packing techniques, new trends in product range, import marketing, food safety, competition, prices, quality, labelling, equipment, and also the opportunity to get to know the newest trends in growing types of fruits and vegetables that are most suitable for being sent to the market in fresh condition.

Considering the fact that the Republic of Serbia realised a surplus in the import of fresh, frozen and dry fruits worth $54 million, and that the area covered by orchards is expanding from year to year, support for domestic producers on the foreign market and investment in the development of knowledge and technology in the fruit sector is of great importance, reads the statement.

Within the framework of the programme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, funds from the budget worth 20 million dinars have been allocated for the promotion of Serbian products at international fairs. With the help of these funds, apart from participation in fairs such as “Green Week” and “Fruit Logistica” that were held in Berlin, participation of domestic producers will also be ensured at the wine fair “Pro Wein” in Dusseldorf, fair of organic food “Bio Fach” in Nurnberg and the food fair “Fancy Food” in New York.

Considering the fact that the Republic of Serbia realised a surplus in the import of fresh, frozen and dry fruits worth $54 million, and that the area covered by orchards is expanding from year to year, support for domestic producers on the foreign market and investment in the development of knowledge and technology in the fruit sector is of great importance, reads the statement.

Within the framework of the programme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, funds from the budget worth 20 million dinars have been allocated for the promotion of Serbian products at international fairs. With the help of these funds, apart from participation in fairs such as “Green Week” and “Fruit Logistica” that were held in Berlin, participation of domestic producers will also be ensured at the wine fair “Pro Wein” in Dusseldorf, fair of organic food “Bio Fach” in Nurnberg and the food fair “Fancy Food” in New York.