VEGETABLE GROWING IN SERBIA

Serbia’s climate makes the country an ideal place to grow a wide variety of vegetables, which has helped it become the largest exporter and supplier in South-Eastern Europe. Vegetable growing has rapidly improved in recent years, especially with the expansion of modern greenhouse growing systems which now cover close to 2,500 hectares.

Local producers are becoming increasingly important suppliers for sophisticated European and global markets. Peppers, cabbage, and tomatoes are the country’s key vegetables, with gherkins and potatoes also rapidly gaining in market share. Products include pasteurised diced, cooked, and baked peppers, and this fresh vegetable is also used to produce aromatic seasonings and ajvar, the traditional local pepper spread.

Cabbage comes a close second to peppers for its significance. Serbian sauerkraut (famous Futoshki) is considered a delicacy, with local consumption skyrocketing in winter. In recent years, peas and sweet corn have seen substantial growth owing to their use as frozen ingredients in fast food products throughout the world (source: Serbia Development Agency).