Serbia's Dairy Industry: An In-Depth Overview
Serbia is a notable player in the regional dairy market, driven by its substantial dairy cattle population of approximately 450,000. This livestock base contributes to an impressive annual milk production of around 1.5 billion liters, reflecting the country's capacity in meeting both domestic and international demands.
Milk Processing and Cheese Production
The nation processes about 1.2 billion liters of milk annually, with cheese production being a hallmark of the industry. Approximately 80,000 tons of cheese are produced each year, renowned for their quality and diversity. Such products maintain a robust presence in both domestic and international markets.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
Serbia's production of milk powder and whey amounts to about 30,000 tons annually. These products are pivotal in food and nutritional sectors, demonstrating the depth of the country's dairy processing capabilities.
Key Dairy Enterprises
Leading enterprises include Imlek, the largest dairy company in Serbia and the Balkans, operating four production facilities and processing 400 million liters of milk annually from over 3,500 farmers. Other significant players are Sabac Dairy, Subotica Dairy Plant, Farm Land, and Mlekara Sabac, all contributing to the industry’s robust framework.
Dairy Farms
Serbia's dairy farms, such as Petrović Dairy Farm, Jovanović Dairy, and Vuković Dairy Agriculture, play crucial roles in milk production. These farms are recognized for their advanced farming practices and substantial contributions to the industry.
Imports and Exports
The country actively engages in the export and import of dairy products, with around 60,000 tons exported annually, primarily cheese and milk powder. Imports amount to approximately 50,000 tons, mainly from neighboring EU countries. A notable transaction was Serbia’s supply of 4.62 thousand tons of dairy products to Ukraine in July.
Significant Dairy Market Events
Recent market changes are driven by increased export volumes to neighboring countries and the EU, technological advancements that enhance milk processing efficiency, and regulatory changes aligning with EU standards. A growing emphasis on sustainable dairy farming is evident. However, the industry faces challenges, as demonstrated by recent protests from Serbian dairy farmers against economic difficulties and perceived government inaction.
International Partnerships
Serbia maintains a significant partnership with Belarus in the agro-industrial sector, focusing on the exchange of seed corn and oil crops while enhancing imports of Belarusian dairy and vegetable products. Moreover, Bahrain is broadening its trade horizons with Serbia, exploring sectors beyond traditional industries like oil, leveraging Serbia’s food production and manufacturing capacity for mutual economic growth.
Serbia contributes less than 1% to Russia's dairy imports, highlighting its role in a broader international context.
Imlek, a leading dairy producer in South-East Europe, is headquartered in Padinska Skela, near Belgrade in Serbia, and maintains operations in North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina through its subsidiaries.
Modified: 2025/12/10