Montenegro’s agricultural sector is witnessing a transformation through Naše Voće, the country’s largest apple orchard, developed by brothers Miloš and Milan Golubović under the Veletex Group. Located in the Župa Nikšićka region, the 44-hectare orchard contains around 125,000 apple saplings and represents a major investment in modern farming techniques and local agribusiness development. The project has received support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union to strengthen productivity, innovation and competitiveness in Montenegro’s domestic food sector.
The Golubović brothers entered agriculture in 2017 after acquiring a struggling farming cooperative. Despite scepticism at the time, they aimed to demonstrate that agriculture in Montenegro could become a profitable and modern business sector rather than only a means of survival. Their efforts focused on introducing advanced farming practices capable of competing with imported food products while supporting local economic growth.
Naše Voće has introduced intensive orchard farming methods inspired by Northern Italy, allowing significantly higher apple production compared to traditional farming systems. The orchard uses high-density planting, anti-hail protection systems and computer-controlled irrigation and nutrient management. Harvested apples are stored in Montenegro’s first ultra-low oxygen cold storage facility, enabling year-round freshness and improved supply chain management. The company also processes fruit into juices, jams and marmalades, expanding its product range and adding value to local agricultural production.
Support from the EBRD and the EU also helped the business develop a zero-waste processing line by utilizing leftover fruit pulp from juice production. Advisory assistance included planning production systems, selecting equipment, developing recipes and improving workforce skills. As a result, new locally produced fruit products are now available in supermarkets across Montenegro.
Beyond technological innovation, the orchard has created employment opportunities for people from the local Župa Nikšićka community and strengthened agricultural expertise in the region. The project highlights how investment, modern technology and business innovation can help unlock the untapped potential of Montenegro’s agricultural sector while encouraging consumers to support locally produced food.
