Milkos Director Adin Fakić for NAP: We expect permission to export to Russia

Inspectors of the veterinary and phytosanitary service of the Russian Federation conducted controls of several production and processing plants in BiH during September, after which they will decide whether certain products could be exported to the Russian market.

Among the controlled companies are the Milkos dairy and the Spreča farm. As Milkos Director Adin Fakić told the Patria agency, after the inspectors finished their visit, it was announced that there were no problems that could endanger consumer health. The opinion of the Russian inspectors will be delivered to the BiH Veterinary Office within six months.

- Expectations from the Russian inspection are positive, and I believe we have successfully passed that inspection as well. They came unexpectedly, although we started activities three years ago to try to export to that market. They were convinced of the system of production and control functioning – said Fakić, adding that the Russian market is certainly a challenge.

- It is a huge market with a large population, and our trump card is feta cheese, which we want to market there. Dairies from Serbia have been exporting to Russia for years and are well aware of what kind of product it is – said Fakić.

What could be a problem regarding the Russian market is that BiH does not have a free trade agreement signed, which can also affect the price of the product itself.

- Thanks to technology, I think we can achieve a competitive price – said Fakić.

Fakić states that Milkos has focused its attention on the EU and Turkish markets, for which they have received permission and where Milkos products are already recognized by customers.

Export of Ella water and iced teas

Regarding the water and iced teas produced by Milkos under the Ella brand, export to China has been underway for several months. Fakić states that they have been informed by the Chinese customer that customs clearance and control were completed in record time.

- The procedure for importing into China is arduous. First, we had to send a representative sample to China in order to pass controls and get confirmation that the product is safe.

In November, a Chinese company interested in these products will visit Milkos to intensify cooperation.