# Balkan mandarin production and market challenges

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-mandarin-production-and-market-challenges
> Updated: 2026-10-26T20:40:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Mandarin producers in the Neretva Valley and Ulcinj are facing economic difficulties during the current harvest. In the Neretva Valley, approximately 80 percent of the crop has been collected, but producers are struggling with drought, smaller fruit sizes, and rising production costs. Purchase prices have dropped significantly, with some receiving less than 0.50 euros per kilogram. Producers have called for stricter Ministry of Agriculture oversight to prevent the sale of substandard fruit, while buyers cite competition from Spanish and Turkish imports.

In Podgorica, mandarins are available at low prices, with Ulcinj varieties selling for as little as 50 cents per kilogram. However, Ulcinj producers are facing sales challenges due to a lack of exports to Albania and drought-related impacts on crop quality.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Mandarin availability and nutritional benefits

Mandarin oranges are selling at low prices in Podgorica, despite export challenges for Ulcinj producers. The fruit is noted for its high vitamin C and nutrient content.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mandarin-availability-and-nutritional-benefits

### 2026-10-26: Neretva Valley mandarin producers face falling prices and high costs

Mandarin producers in the Neretva Valley face minimal profits as purchase prices drop below 0.50 euros per kilogram amid high production costs and competition from Spanish and Turkish imports.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neretva-valley-mandarin-producers-face-falling-prices-and-high-costs

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Cite as: Balkan mandarin production and market challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-mandarin-production-and-market-challenges