Due to extremely high temperatures and a prolonged drought this summer, grape yields in Serbia have decreased by an average of 30%. Experienced winegrowers note that early varieties of grapes were harvested as early as the beginning of August, a rare occurrence. As a result, the grapes have exceptionally high sugar content, low acidity, and show signs of dehydration. Professor Marko Malićanin from the Faculty of Agriculture in Kruševac explained that the full impact of these extreme conditions on the plants’ metabolism and aromatic potential will only be clear once the wine is produced.
Looking at the performance of wine companies last year, 73 businesses in Serbia involved in grape growing achieved solid results, though overall profits from the industry showed a decline. In 2023, the total profit for these companies amounted to just over 200 million dinars (201,348,000), a significant drop compared to the 706,783,000 dinars recorded in 2022. In 2021, profits had been much lower at 54,287,000 dinars, according to data from CompanyWall, a credit rating company.
In terms of total revenues, these companies saw a major rise from 1.29 billion dinars (1,289,622,000) in 2021 to 2.41 billion dinars (2,411,403,000) in 2022. However, in 2023, revenues plummeted to just 12,515,492 dinars.
Among the top companies in the grape-growing industry, MLM Vinum from Šupljak leads with 307,699,000 dinars in total revenue for 2023, along with a profit of 104,119,000 dinars. This small company, which employs six people, saw a slight decrease in its income compared to 2022, when revenues were 376,476,000 dinars, and profits were 97,396,000 dinars.
In second place is Temet from Lozovik, with revenues reaching nearly 255 million dinars (254,918,000) and a profit of 34,481,000 dinars. Compared to 2022, when the company had total income of about 50,000 dinars less and a profit of 26,721,000 dinars, Temet saw a notable increase in earnings. The company cultivates 37.8 hectares of vineyards, spread across 19 plots at elevations of 250-330 meters above sea level. Their grapes come exclusively from their own vineyards, with an emphasis on maintaining traditional viticulture methods and respecting the environment. Since 2018, Temet has committed to organic farming practices, avoiding chemical fertilizers and insecticides.
Eko Mineral from Smederevo, which posted a profit of 19,436,000 dinars in 2023 (about 800,000 dinars more than the previous year), ranks third in the industry. The company’s total revenue for the year amounted to 60,533,000 dinars.
