PUBLIC CALL - SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE FOOD AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES INDUSTRY IN 2025

The Development Agency of Serbia, by implementing this program, has decided to support domestic companies and entrepreneurs in strengthening export potential, improving competitiveness and modernizing production capacities through innovation, quality and access to international markets.DURATION OF THE PUBLIC CALL - DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:The public call was published 19. September 2025, and will remain open until the available funds are used up, and no later than 01. June 2026. AVAILABLE FUNDS:For the implementation of this program, a budget in the amount of RSD 45,000,000.00 has been allocated.Grants will be contracted individually, with the allocation of state aid in a total amount that cannot exceed RSD 7,000,000.00 per user. CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION:Eligible to participate are companies or entrepreneurs who meet the following conditions:I General conditions (mandatory for all Applicants):that at the time of submitting the application, it is registered in APR, as a legal entity or entrepreneur, no later than January 1 2023;that it is classified as a micro, small legal entity or an entrepreneur in accordance with the Accounting Law;that it has settled all due obligations based on taxes and contributions;that the ownership structure has less than 25% of public capital;that in the previous business year it was not in the status of blockade for more than 30 days continuously;that no bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings have been initiated against him.1.1. Business capacities:to carry out production activities in the area of ​​the food industry (except for primary agricultural production; basic processing of meat, poultry, fish; freezing and production of sliced ​​and cleaned fruits and vegetables) or the beverage industry (except for the production of malt, soft drinks, mineral and other bottled water); foreign market under own trade mark to end consumers.1.2. Personnel capacities:to have a minimum of two (2) employees in employment for a fixed or indefinite period of time, on the day of publication of the Public Call, in accordance with the data according to CROSO records.1.3. Financial capacities:that in the business year 2024, it generated revenue from the sale of products and services in the amount of not less than RSD 12,000,000.00 (according to position AOP 1005 - Revenue from the sale of products and services);that in the last three business years, it generated revenue from the sale of products and services on the foreign market in a total amount of at least 1,000,000.00 RSD (according to position AOP 1007 - Income from the sale of products and services on the foreign market).II Special conditions depending on the activityIn addition to the conditions from point 1., the applicant must also meet special conditions in accordance with the activity he performs, which are listed below:2.1. Food industryto have a valid HACCP certificate or a standard certificate that includes the HACCP food safety system, issued by an accredited certification body.2.2. Beverage production2.2.1. Production of distillatesthat it is registered in the Register of Producers of Strong Alcoholic Beverages, in accordance with the Law on Strong Alcoholic Beverages, no later than January 1, 2023;that it has an established annual distillate production capacity ranging from 10,000 to 300,000 liters in the business year 2024.2.2.2. Beer productionthat it is registered in the Register of beer producers and beer bottlers, in accordance with the Law on Beer, no later than January 1, 2023.2.2.3. Wine productionthat it is registered in the Wine Register, in accordance with the Law on Wine, no later than January 1, 2023;that it has an established annual wine production capacity ranging from 20,000 to 1,000,000 liters in the business year 2024.PURPOSE AND AMOUNT OF GRANTS FUNDSThis Program supports the financing of justified costs incurred as part of the implementation of activities from the following intervention measures:Positioning strategy on the target marketConsulting support for the assessment of export capacities and analysis of foreign target markets. The strategy includes, but is not limited to, the analysis of production capacity and the existing range, the way to adapt the product to the specifics of the market, the analysis of competition, the identification of regulatory requirements, the selection of appropriate distribution channels, the development of logistics solutions, the formulation of a price policy strategy, the research of consumer habits and market trends. RSD.Technological modernization and innovation1. Procurement of specific equipment for the improvement of technological production processes or the introduction of new production technologies (equipment for processing and production of products with a higher degree of added value) - up to 3 years of age counting from the moment of submission of the Application,2. Introducing digital tools for monitoring production, optimizing resources, automating processes, improving operational functions, as well as introducing a system for real-time monitoring of production and product quality,3. Consulting support of technologists for the optimization and improvement of production processes.Grants can be awarded for up to 40% of the value of justified costs per activity, up to the maximum amount of grant participation of RSD 5,000,000.00 at the level of the entire intervention measure, except for activities from point 2.3. for which the participation percentage is up to 60%.Development, improvement and diversification of the product portfolio1. Consulting support for the development of new products, aligned with market trends and the needs of specific niches,2. Product testing through laboratory tests, quality and safety analysis by accredited laboratories.Grants can be awarded up to 60% of the value of justified costs per activity, up to the maximum amount of grant participation of RSD 2,000,000.00 at the level of the entire intervention measure.Improving export competitiveness1. Consulting support for the implementation of internationally recognized standards for business improvement, quality and sustainability of products and processes, in order to strengthen competitiveness on international markets,2. Acquiring certificates, homologations, certification and recertification of products and production processes to ensure compliance with international standards and regulations,3. Consulting support for the introduction of rules, procedures and reporting related to ESG factors.Grants can be awarded up to 60% of the value of justified costs per activity, up to the maximum amount of grant participation of RSD 1,500,000.00 at the level of the entire intervention measure, except for activities under points 4.3. where the percentage of participation is 50%.Note: in the case of applying for the activity from point 4.1, the Applicant is conditional on simultaneous application and the activity from point 4.2, i.e. certification.Support for export marketing and product promotion1. Consulting support for creating a long-term or medium-term marketing plan for target markets,2. Consulting support for the development of conceptual solutions, designing brochures, labels, packaging and other communication materials in order to adapt to the requirements of the target market,3. Consulting support for creating and optimizing a web presentation for the needs of the target market.Grants can be awarded up to 60% of the value of justified costs per activity, up to the maximum amount of grant participation of RSD 2,000,000.00 at the level of the entire intervention measure.Exhibition at international fairs and promotional events1. Consulting support for the preparation of performances at international fairs (market analysis and selection of fairs, development of performance strategy, design and organization of the stand, preparation of accompanying promotional events),2. Organization of promotional activities at national stands (organized by the Agency and/or the Serbian Chamber of Commerce), such as masterclass events, which include renting space, engaging relevant experts and organizing meetings with key partners or distributors. RSD at the level of the entire intervention measure, except for the activities from point 6.1. for which the participation percentage is up to 60%.Finding a customer on the target market1. Consulting support in order to establish contacts with potential customers or distributors, as well as compensation for preparing users for B2B meetings with them,2. Costs of listing products in trade chains on the target market,3. The costs of listing products on foreign online stores (e.g. Amazon.com) or specialized online stores that are recognized in the international business community, in order to increase the visibility of the product on the global market.Grants can be awarded up to 50% of the value of justified costs per activity, up to a maximum amount of grant participation of RSD 1,000,000.00 at the level of the entire intervention measure, except for activities from point 7.1. for which the participation percentage is up to 60%.Grants are awarded exclusively for justified costs arising from the implementation of at least two different activities, i.e. the Applicant is obliged to apply and implement both reported activities in order to acquire the right to grant grants.If the Applicant applies for "Consultant support for the implementation of internationally recognized standards for improving business, quality and sustainability of products and processes" (measure number 4. - activity 4.1.), is obliged to simultaneously apply for the certification activity of the same standard (measure number 4. - activity 4.2.). In that case, in addition to the above, the Applicant is obliged to apply for at least one additional activity, that is, to submit an application for a total of at least three different activities. HOW TO APPLY:Applications are submitted electronically, by creating a user account at the link: https://prijave.ras.gov.rs/prehrambena INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM:In connection with the procedure for implementing the Program to support the internationalization of the food industry and the alcoholic beverages industry, the terms and conditions related to its implementation, we invite you to look in detail: Instructions for the implementation of the Program to support the internationalization of the food industry and the alcoholic beverages industry in 2025. APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION:Mandatory documentation:Form 1 - Program application form;Form 2 – Statement of fulfillment and acceptance of the conditions for participation in the Program (issued under full material and criminal responsibility);Form 3/Form 3a - Statement that the Applicant and his legal representatives have not been convicted of economic crimes and crimes against the economy;Certificate from the Tax Administration - Copy of the certificate of the competent authority confirming that the Applicant has settled all due tax obligations and contributions, not older than one month from the date of submission of the application;Depending on the activity:1. If the Applicant operates within the food industry - a copy of a valid HACCP certificate or a standard certificate that includes the HACCP system, issued by a certification body accredited by ATS or another recognized accreditation body;2. If the Applicant operates within the distillate production industry - a copy of the Annual Report on the production, turnover and stocks of strong alcoholic beverages for the business year 2024;3. If the Applicant operates within the wine production industry - an extract from the Wine Register with data on the producer and wine production capacity, as well as the production report and stock report for the business year 2024 or other appropriate evidence.Product documentation - Photocopy of the label and packaging of any final product with a clearly indicated name or logo of its own trade mark, as well as proof of placement on foreign market (e.g. invoice extract, export documentation, catalog, contract or other relevant documentation).In addition to the documentation, depending on the proposed intervention measures, financial and technical documentation is submitted that serves as a basis for determining the justification of costs:Additional documentation:Agreement on confidentiality of information signed with the electronic signature of the Applicant's legal representative applications. CONSTITUENT PART OF THIS PROGRAM WITH IMPLEMENTATION INSTRUCTIONS, ACTS AND THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS AND FORMS:Program Implementation InstructionsForm 1 - Program application form;Form 2 - Declaration of fulfillment and acceptance of the conditions for participation in the Program (issued under full material and criminal responsibility);Form 3/Form 3a - Statement that the Applicant and his legal representatives have not been convicted of economic crimes and crimes against the economy;Draft contract on the allocation of grants;Draft contract on confidentiality of information;Instructions for diagnostics of export capabilities;Instructions for verification of approved intervention measures. CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:For any additional clarifications regarding the Program, you can contact us To the Development Agency of Serbia:Tel: 011/3398 900E-mail: prehrambena@ras.gov.rs or office@ras.gov.rs