In the agricultural sector of Kosovo, Bekim Vokrri has emerged as one of the largest producers of carrots. His farm, based in Podujeva, operates at a high capacity, producing up to 5 tons of carrots per hour with the help of a dedicated workforce of 25 employees. These workers begin their day as early as 5 a.m., harvesting, cleaning, and packaging carrots, ensuring they reach the hands of consumers across the country and beyond.
Vokrri’s company has successfully navigated one of the major challenges facing agricultural producers worldwide: ensuring year-round market access. His solution has been a strong partnership with the largest supermarket chain in Kosovo, Viva Fresh Store. With over 120 retail points across the country, Viva Fresh Store has provided Kosovar farmers, including Vokrri, with an expansive and consistent sales channel.
Vokrri’s carrots are not just sold locally; they are exported to neighboring countries, including Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, with occasional shipments to markets within the European Union. This market diversification is vital to his business strategy, ensuring that his carrots reach broader consumers even when local demand fluctuates.
The collaboration with Viva Fresh Store has proven to be a pivotal point for Vokrri’s success. As Kosovo’s agricultural sector developed post-war, one of the greatest hurdles farmers faced was securing stable buyers for their produce. With Viva Fresh Store as a key client, Vokrri experienced consistent sales growth, reaching 400 tons of carrots sold by the end of 2023. Moreover, the transparency of payment processes through banking systems and ease of invoicing with Viva Fresh Store has enabled Vokrri to manage his finances effectively, including using earnings to service business loans and expand his operations.
Scaling Operations and Overcoming Challenges
Kosovo’s climate and soil conditions are well-suited for carrot production, and Vokrri has leveraged these advantages to increase production capacity by 10 to 15% annually. Despite the competition from regional producers, his carrots have gained a reputation for being of exceptional quality, with freshness and taste surpassing those of neighboring countries. This high quality has allowed him to maintain a foothold in both domestic and international markets, even during periods of market volatility.
However, Vokrri acknowledges that the journey has not been without challenges. Initially, local and international buyers were hesitant to purchase Kosovar carrots, questioning their quality compared to other sources. But over time, the consistent production, transparent business practices, and superior quality of Vokrri’s carrots have earned the trust of consumers and retailers alike.
Kosovo’s largest retail network, Viva Fresh Store, continues to play a crucial role in supporting local agricultural businesses by offering them access to national and regional markets. The partnership between farmers like Vokrri and Viva Fresh Store represents a model for how local businesses can scale and thrive, fostering sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
Bekim Vokrri’s success in carrot production and his collaboration with Viva Fresh Store illustrate the importance of market access, quality control, and efficient logistics in agricultural success. By securing both local and international markets, Vokrri has been able to scale production, meet increasing demand, and contribute to the growth of Kosovo’s agricultural sector. His story underscores the value of strategic partnerships and market diversification in building a resilient and profitable agricultural business.
