Serbia's Dairy Industry: An In-Depth Overview

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

Serbia is home to approximately 450,000 dairy cattle, contributing to an impressive annual milk production of around 1.5 billion liters. This positions Serbia as a key player in the regional dairy market, noted for its stringent quality standards and substantial output.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The country processes about 1.2 billion liters of milk annually. Cheese production is a hallmark of Serbia's dairy industry, with approximately 80,000 tons produced each year. Serbian cheese is celebrated for its quality and diversity, maintaining a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

In the food and nutritional sectors, Serbia produces about 30,000 tons of milk powder and whey annually. These products are essential components for various industries, showcasing the depth of Serbia's dairy processing capabilities.

Key Dairy Enterprises

Notable dairy enterprises in Serbia include Imlek, the largest dairy company, and Sabac Dairy, a significant manufacturer of cheese and milk products. Other important players are Subotica Dairy Plant, Farm Land, and Mlekara Sabac.

Dairy Farms

Leading dairy farms such as Petrović Dairy Farm, Jovanović Dairy, and Vuković Dairy Agriculture play a crucial role in Serbia's milk production. These farms are known for their advanced farming practices and substantial contributions to the industry.

Imports and Exports

Serbia actively participates in the export and import of dairy products, exporting around 60,000 tons annually, primarily cheese and milk powder. Conversely, it imports approximately 50,000 tons, mainly from neighboring EU countries. In a notable transaction, Serbia supplied Ukraine with 4.62 thousand tons of dairy products in July.

Significant Dairy Market Events

Recent changes in Serbia's dairy market are driven by increased export volumes to neighboring countries and the EU, technological advancements improving milk processing efficiency, and regulatory changes aligning with EU standards. There is also a growing focus on sustainable dairy farming. However, Serbian dairy farmers have recently protested against economic challenges and perceived government inaction, reflecting ongoing pressures in the industry.

International Partnerships

Serbia maintains a significant partnership with Belarus in the agro-industrial sector, supplying seed corn and oil crops while enhancing imports of Belarusian dairy and vegetable products. Additionally, Bahrain is expanding its trade horizons with Serbia, focusing on new sectors beyond traditional industries like oil, leveraging Serbia's capacity in food production and manufacturing for mutual economic growth.

Serbia contributes less than 1% to Russia's dairy imports.

Modified: 2025/10/27

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