Serbia’s town of Arilje is known as the country’s “raspberry capital”, with its reputation extending far beyond national borders.

The town and its surrounding region produce raspberries that are exported to markets as distant as the United States and Japan. Serbia ranks among the world’s top three raspberry exporters, and Arilje sits at the heart of that success.

“We are born, we live and we die with raspberries,” said Mileta Pilcevic, head of a local raspberry growers’ association. “Arilje is unique in the world. You won’t find a smaller place with such a high concentration of raspberry production.”

The region’s rolling hills and favourable climate provide ideal conditions for cultivation. Arilje’s raspberries are grown without chemicals and picked by hand, helping to maintain their renowned quality.

However, producers say the work is increasingly challenging. Unpredictable weather patterns and fluctuating purchase prices have brought growing uncertainty to the industry in recent years.

Raspberry farming in the area is largely a family enterprise, passed down through generations. Home to around 17,000 people and located about 170 kilometres from the capital, Belgrade, the municipality accounts for roughly one-fifth of Serbia’s raspberry exports.

Local fields typically produce between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of raspberries each year.

Pilcevic said a raspberry plantation requires at least two years to reach full maturity. The delicate fruit demands constant attention to develop the flavour, aroma and quality for which it is internationally recognised.

“Nothing should be done using machines or chemicals,” he said.

Early summer marks the harvesting season, drawing seasonal workers from across Serbia and abroad. According to Pilcevic, some workers travel from India and other parts of South Asia to help with the harvest.

Local resident Nada Marinkovic said the work remains highly labour-intensive, with weeds and grass removed entirely by hand.

“The picking itself is only difficult because of the sun,” she said.

Around 90 percent of Serbia’s raspberries are exported in frozen form, while the remainder are sold on the domestic market. Some producers also sell fresh fruit and natural juices directly to consumers online.

Frozen Serbian raspberries are widely used across Europe in food processing, as retail fruit, and in products including jams, yoghurts and baked goods.

This year’s harvest is expected to be 20 to 30 percent lower than average, largely due to the effects of last year’s drought.

Extreme weather events, which experts say may be linked to climate change, have become a growing concern for producers. Farmers argue that more stable purchase prices are needed to help offset mounting risks.

Pilcevic said growers are too often offered prices that leave little or no profit, making it difficult to absorb unexpected costs.

The issue has triggered protests in the past.

“It is not our job to be on the road but in the orchard,” Pilcevic said. “But believe me when I say that we will be on the road if we have to.”