PRODUCER & TERROIR
A PRODUCER SPANNING THE GENERATIONS
Dragan Paunovic has been growing sour cherries and plums for 45 years, making him quite an expert. His sour cherry plantations were passed down from his grandfather, who was one of the biggest growers in 1930. Today, he owns eight hectares in the Toplicki region of Serbia, an area renowned for its fertile soil.
TERROIR
Dragan’s orchards are located in Serbia’s hilly Toplicki region, which is the home of the Oblacinska cherry variety. Here, the fruit is highly resistant to disease and climate change, making the region perfectly suited to organic growing. The climate is partly continental, partly Mediterranean, and the many days of sunshine are ideal for ripening the fruit.
« I’m proud to cultivate the sour cherry trees passed down to me from my grandfather in an environmentally-friendly way. »
Sour cherry producer for 45 years
GROWING TECHNIQUES
SOUR CHERRIES CULTIVATED TO CARE FOR LOCAL BIODIVERSITY
Dragan has been using organic farming methods since 2010. To protect biodiversity, he uses only natural or organic-certified pesticides. This is why his cherries are guaranteed free from pesticide residues.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ACTION
GROWING TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Dragan’s family orchards and business are centered around social and environmental responsibility. By using organic-certified pesticides, Dragan protects nature and biodiversity. The way he carefully manages his crops is an example of how the rest of society should act, not only for its own good, but that of future generations too. The company has installed solar panels so that it can use renewable energy. Dragan is certain that green energy and organic farming are the only ways to protect the natural environment and biodiversity.
Working with Partner Producers Too
We always want our supply chains to be as short and direct as possible and to work with a single producer whenever we can. However, if we use two varieties of the same fruit or orchards are too small to meet our needs, we will work with several producer partners instead. We always apply the same standards, specifications and commitments as we do with the grower we present to you in greater depth. Fruit supply chains often require teamwork, and it is essential we get to know all our growers and support their efforts.
