Profitable Crops in Serbia: A Complete Guide for Foreign Agricultural Investors

Serbia is recognized globally for its strong agricultural sector. The country is a major exporter of frozen fruits, berries, apples, plums, corn, and wheat — and consistently ranks among the top raspberry producers in the world. Investors are attracted to Serbia’s:

• Low labor costs

• High agricultural productivity

• Strong export pipelines to the EU, Russia, the Middle East, and Asia

• Large number of aging farmers ready to sell land

• Favorable climate and fertile soil

However, not every crop is suited to every region, and not every product has equal demand. Successful investment requires aligning crop choice with soil conditions, export pathways, and buyer demand.

Hazelnuts are considered one of Serbia’s most promising long-term investments, largely due to Ferrero’s massive production facility within the country. Serbia currently cannot meet its own consumption needs and imports large quantities of hazelnuts annually — a strong indicator of unmet demand.

Why Investors Choose Hazelnuts

• Direct access to Ferrero, Nutella, and Kinder supply chains

• Additional buyers in Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland

• Low labor costs compared to Western Europe

Profit Timeline

• Initial yield: ~4 years

• Peak profitability: Years 7–25

Because of the delayed return period, many investors look for existing hazelnut orchards that are already producing.

Plums are deeply rooted in Serbian agriculture and culture. Beyond fresh fruit and dried prunes, plums are the backbone of rakija (traditional Serbian brandy) — a market that continues to expand domestically and internationally.

Export Markets

• EU countries

• China

• Switzerland and Austria

• Domestic distilleries and commercial producers

With Serbia ranking among the world’s top plum producers, this crop offers consistent demand across both local and foreign markets.

Apples remain one of Serbia’s most reliable and diversified export crops. They benefit from established logistics and access to multiple premium markets.

Export Markets

• Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Poland

• Russia (logistics vary but demand remains strong)

• UAE and Saudi Arabia for premium-grade apples

What Investors Should Know

To succeed with apples, you typically need:

• Drip irrigation systems

• Anti-hail netting

• Cold storage access for freshness prior to export

When properly managed, high-grade apples offer excellent export margins.

Serbia is consistently among the top global exporters of raspberries — often competing for the number one position worldwide.

Export Markets

• Germany

• France

• United Kingdom

• Belgium

• Nordic countries

Profit Considerations

• Labor-intensive crop

• High margins when properly harvested, frozen, and stored

• Strong international demand year after year

Investors must ensure strong management and rapid packaging/freezing to maintain quality.

Blueberries have become a standout trend over the past several years, drawing significant attention from investors seeking higher yields.

Export Markets

• Netherlands

• Germany

• Austria

• United Kingdom

• Middle East (via air freight)

Pros and Cons

• Extremely high profitability per hectare

• Very high initial investment (infrastructure, irrigation, specialized substrates)

• Requires careful region selection and ongoing technical expertise

For investors with sufficient capital, blueberries offer some of the best ROI in Serbia’s agricultural sector.

Serbia exports large volumes of corn and wheat around the world. This is a dependable, lower-risk option for investors seeking stability.

Export Destinations

• Italy

• Spain

• Germany

• Egypt

• Turkey

• China (especially for corn)

Considerations

• Lower margins compared to fruit crops

• Large Serbian grain aggregators dominate the market

• Highly stable long-term income streams

Lavender and other aromatic crops are becoming increasingly popular among investors exploring specialty agriculture.

Market Opportunities

• Essential oil processors

• Cosmetic manufacturers

• Export channels to France, Bulgaria, and Germany

Risks

• Small but high-value niche

• Requires very precise soil, climate, and processing conditions

• Greater risk if grown in unsuitable regions

Southern Serbia (colder, mountainous) and northern Serbia (flatter, milder winters) create very different outcomes — making location analysis essential.

Purchasing agricultural land is not a simple transaction. Each municipality has unique rules; labor availability varies; and logistics must be analyzed before profits can be forecasted. This is where we step in.

Relocation Serbia provides a comprehensive support system for agricultural investors, including:

Soil and Land Assessment

• Full soil analysis and pH evaluation through certified partners

• Matching land characteristics with suitable crops

Market and Buyer Verification

• Identifying active buyers within the municipality

• Analyzing demand and expected pricing

• Confirming export pathways

Profitability Forecasting

• Projecting ROI timelines

• Evaluating long-term sustainability

• Assessing competition and market conditions

Regulatory Compliance

• Reviewing local agricultural rules

• Understanding free-zone benefits

• Ensuring foreign-buyer compliance with all legal frameworks

Labor and Workforce Planning

• Evaluating worker availability

• Supporting foreign worker recruitment processes if required

Export and Logistics Assistance

• Verifying access to irrigation and water

• Supporting outbound logistics to EU, Asia, Russia, and Middle East buyers

Investing in agriculture requires long-term planning. Land price alone is never the full story. Climate, soil chemistry, distance to buyers, and infrastructure determine whether a crop succeeds or fails.

Serbia offers exceptional opportunities for foreign agricultural investors — but choosing the right crop and the right location is crucial. Each product has unique yield timelines, labor demands, export pathways, and profitability levels. Proper due diligence protects your investment and maximizes long-term returns.

If you are considering purchasing agricultural land in Serbia, professional guidance is essential. Our team can walk you through every step of land evaluation, crop selection, regulation review, and export logistics.

Book a paid consultation with Relocation Serbia today and start your investment on solid ground.