Serbia’s alcoholic beverage production has seen impressive growth, with over 50 million litres of rakija and 30 million litres of wine produced annually.
In 2023, rakija production reached 36.2 million litres, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year and a staggering 61% rise since 2017. The country’s rakija is predominantly fruit-based, with plum rakija accounting for 60% of the total output, followed by quince, apricot, and pear.
The export market for rakija also grew by 30.2% in 2023, with the largest shipments heading to Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Germany, and the US. Meanwhile, Serbia faces a negative trade balance in wine, with imports surpassing exports. However, the country’s wine industry continues to thrive in the region, with significant exports to Russia and neighbouring Balkan countries.
As Serbia’s rakija industry strengthens, its rich tradition and expanding international presence signal a promising future.
