Many, in anticipation of the announced help from the state, work producing losses, depending on capacity, and over 1.000 euros per day.
"It's a disaster, if this continues, because the price of flour in Serbia is constantly rising, we will be forced to raise prices," said Ratko Mijušković, owner of the Trend bakery and chain of retail stores.
He said that his chain "perhaps suffers the least, because it sells bread in its stores", but that "this situation is hardly sustainable for everyone who sells to supermarkets, with a 20 or 25 percent discount".
"If all inputs are taken, from electricity, workers, distribution..., these conditions are impossible. I believe that nothing will be achieved through the announced government measures. Everything indicates that we are moving in the direction of opening up market competition, that every bread is sold at at a price that is worth it. Personally, I am in favor of such a market match, so whoever doesn't pay to buy bread in the store, let him knead it and bake it at home," said Mijušković.
Minister of Agriculture Tarzan Mlošević previously announced that the Government will help the bakery industry.
They eagerly await the reduction in the price of electricity
Slavko Popović, head of Uniprom bakery sales, said that bakers are eagerly waiting for the reduction in the price of electricity, "which is by far the highest in the region for small and medium-sized enterprises".
"The costs of all inputs are constantly rising. We are making great efforts not to raise the price, but we don't know how long it will be like this. We believe that the relevant ministry will react in the right way," he said.
When asked if Uniprom has a proposal on how to reduce production costs, he said that he does not have one, and that he will make a statement about possible state proposals.
Bakers proposed a reduction in trade margins
At earlier meetings with Minister Milošević, Montenegrin bakers proposed that, instead of reducing VAT, the Government should influence the reduction of trade margins, up to 18 cents per basic product, and the payment term for delivered bread, which is up to 120 days.
Nikpek bakery owner Milisav Ćipranić said that the situation is "untenable".
"We hope that a solution will be found as soon as possible, because we are only recording losses like this, every day. The consequences could be a reduction in the number of workers or an increase in prices, which no one would like," he said.
About fifteen smaller producers survive in Nikšić, as they give traders even higher margins, but charge for the products immediately.
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