Opuzen fruit center processes 10,000 tons of produce

The Arivera Fruit purchasing center in Opuzen is currently in the midst of its mandarin season, with plans to calibrate and pack approximately 10,000 tons of fruit. The produce is destined for Konzum stores, other retail chains, and export markets.

In addition to its 40 permanent staff, the center currently employs 103 seasonal workers. The workforce includes residents from the Neretva Valley, such as Opuzen, Metković, and Ploče, as well as workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Nepal. Notably, workers from Nevesinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, commute daily via organized bus services to assist with the seasonal workload.

Despite a severe drought during this year's production cycle, growers have secured a satisfactory quality of yield. Seasonal operations are expected to continue through mid-December, after which the focus will shift to the procurement and packaging of clementines and lemons. The company has recently invested in automation and modernized equipment to increase efficiency and shift worker focus toward quality control.