Vucic attends opening of plant-based meals factory: "This is something that makes a difference for us"

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic today attended the opening of a Nestle factory for production of plant-based meals in Surcin.

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At the beginning of the tour of the factory, Vucic asked employees if "such products are in demand in our market."

"Here that's in its infancy, in Europe it is far more developed. Most of the products are for export," factory representatives said.

The president also asked if this kind of food is more expensive than meat, to which he received the reply that it will be cheaper when direct production starts in the factory in Surcin.

Nestle country manager for Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, Marjana Davidovic, stressed that the construction of the factory had been under way for two years.

"We want to grow products locally, process them and then export to the European Union market. More than 80 million euros have been invested in the factory. The project created 220 new jobs and we expect that there will be more expansions," Davidovic said.

"Serbia is logistically a very important place, we are in the heart of Europe and very well connected with partnerships for further product development," added Alessandro Zanelli, head of South and Eastern Europe market at Nestle.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia Urs Schmid said that bilateral trade between the two countries has reached almost one billion euros per year.

The president referred to the ambassador's messages and pointed out that we must continue to work on ties in the region.

"220 more people got jobs and what was important to me, I saw happy and smiling people with enormous energy who will not be ending but building and investing again," said Vucic and added that the company did not ask for any financial incentives from the state of Serbia.

"I like it best when someone else pays for it, but to be completely honest, I don't run away from us participating if asked. You Swiss have more money anyway, so keep investing here," Vucic joked and noted that the focus will be on reaching the single European market.

"It will be a huge opportunity for further accelerated development," he added.

Vucic stressed that the biggest subsidies are given to food processing companies.

"But we have no one to give them to, we can't wait to see if someone wants to relaunch a small part of the process in Budimka (factory). I want to inform you that Serbia is ready not only to export apples and raspberries, but also to package them. This is what Serbia desperately needs and what we lack. I invite all those who are interested to be aware that they can count on great help from the state," said the president and added that "this is something that makes a difference for us."

With the construction of the plant-based meals factory, of the GARDEN GOURMET brand, Nestle expanded its range of top-quality products, remaining consistent with global goals to preserve nature and fight climate change, according to the company.

In addition to the president of Serbia, Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Sapic, Minister of Agriculture Jelena Tanaskovic and Minister of Environmental Protection Irena Vujovic were also present at the ceremony today.

(Telegraf Biznis)