The President of the Exporters’ Club at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Prof. Dr. Darko Lazarov, in a column for the special edition “Product Map” by InStore-Macedonia, discusses the export performance and potential of the FMCG industry and the need for increased investment in building Macedonian brands that are recognizable on both regional and global markets.

He points out that despite global challenges and a 6.5% decline in Macedonia’s exports in 2024, companies in the FMCG sector recorded significant export growth during the same period. Almost all sectors saw substantial increases: the meat industry (18%), dairy industry (34%), vegetables and fruit (11%), beverage sector (5%), tobacco and tobacco products (11%), and the pharmaceutical sector, which grew by 13%. There was also growth in certain segments of the confectionery industry as well as in the healthy food industry.

Professor Lazarov emphasizes the need for a systematic and coordinated approach among all stakeholders in the country’s export ecosystem to leverage the export potential of the FMCG industry through stronger export promotion. This includes participation in international fairs and B2B events, more robust marketing activities aimed at building and strengthening the position of Macedonian brands in regional and international markets.

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia has, in the past period, worked on developing substantial institutional capacity to support Macedonian exporting companies, including those in the FMCG sector.

The Chamber’s new export concept is based on three interconnected pillars:

1.    National Export Council – a platform for public-private dialogue on export-related issues, including senior representatives of the RNM Government and representatives of the country’s most successful export companies;

2.    Exporters’ Club – an operational body supporting export-oriented companies, with more than 250 member companies from various sectors and industries;

3.    Export Institute – a specialized body delivering educational and analytical services for companies, involving both domestic and international experts.