Regarding organic production, we continue to expand the areas of our fields that will also be certified for organic production. We anticipate offering unique organic products on the market, serving as a significant differentiator from others.
How do you plan to leverage the company's previous success, and what specific steps will you take in the coming business year to expand Univerexport's operations?
The next steps, as part of our plans for the upcoming year, primarily revolve around the strategy to expand the retail network in central Serbia. We plan to open at least ten new stores during the next year, with most of them being greenfield investments in towns designated as cities in central Serbia. Additionally, we aim to extend our retail presence in the markets where we already operate while also renovating and enhancing the level of service provided to our loyal customers in stores that have been serving them for many years.
What business trends do you expect in the global economy in 2024?
In the first place, we expect a stabilization of inflation. Our plans specify that inflation in Serbia will be brought within the targeted corridor of the National Bank of Serbia in the fourth quarter of the next year. We also expect supply chain disruptions due to conflicts in the Middle East, Russia, and Ukraine.
As a leader in the Serbian market, what trends in consumer habits and preferences do you expect in the coming year, and how do you intend to adjust Univerexport's product range and services to adapt to these changes and further solidify your leading position?
We expect the changes in consumer habits that occurred during the COVID and post-COVID periods to continue into the next year. Our product range is quite stable, with innovations typically coming from our suppliers when they launch new products. What we will prioritize is maintaining the quality of fresh meat, which is something we are known for. Since we control the entire process from start to finish, we are confident in maintaining the desired level of quality. Furthermore, within our organic production, we anticipate offering unique products on the market, serving as a significant differentiator from others.
Univerexport has achieved significant success in food production and distribution, including meat processing and organic production. How do you plan to further develop and diversify this branch of business in 2024? Can you tell us more about planned investments in production facilities and distribution?
When it comes to Bačka, one of the key plans is to modernize the slaughterhouse. In addition, our intention is to build a new pig farm, but it is not easy to find space to build a farm and get an adequate amount of state agricultural land for lease at the moment. Regarding organic production, we continue to expand the areas of our fields that will also be certified for organic production, thus broadening our range and increasing quantities compared to the previous period.
Univerexport is known for its social responsibility. How do you plan to enhance and expand social responsibility initiatives in 2024, and what specific projects can we expect in the near future regarding socially responsible business?
When it comes to socially responsible business, it has been an integral part of our company for 33 years. Univerexport's responsibility extends to both society and the environment. From an environmental perspective, we were among the first to implement electronic receipts, aligning with our zero paper business policy. We are also working on renewable energy projects and the construction of solar power plants on our retail outlets. Our strategy is to successfully develop these projects in the coming years.
Since 2017, the Univerexport Foundation has been mainly involved in projects aimed at supporting society. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Univerexport Foundation consistently carries out the project of distributing gift packages to first-grade students, bringing joy to an increasing number of young pupils entering elementary school each year. Our goal is to cover the entire country one day. In parallel with this project, we provide support to various individuals and community projects, which we may not publicize extensively, but their motives and implementation are significant for the well-being of the entire community and society. Our priority is not the visibility of these projects, but ensuring that the people we support know that we are here for them.