Though the Serbian economy is undergoing dejection, one company named ‘Bambi’ is experiencing a delightful success as the country’s EU membership negotiations approach.

Bambi is the biggest confectionery producer in Serbia, producing over 153 different confectionary products. The factories operate round the clock, 24 hours a day with three shifts of workers. The cost advantage that Bambi currently possess is the minimum wage of $1.36, legislated by the government is much lower than that of China ($2.05) or Philippines ($2.31).

One of the toughest challenges that Bambi will face in the near future will be the rising cost of production as a result of the EU membership whereby the minimum wage rate is higher; it may also see a large number of trained employees fleeing to better European economies.

The company is currently seeking to increase their customer-base by exporting their products to nearby countries such as Romania & Bulgaria however it doesn’t see the UK and Germany as potential markets as it deems them ‘Saturated’.

The question is, what’s in it for the future for Bambi? Is the sweet victory going to turn into a bitter end due to the EU membership?

Sources:

Article Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/04/business/serbia-bambi-biscuit-eu-accession/index.html?hpt=ibu_c2

Minimum Wage figures obtained from: http://www.wageindicator.org

Bambi Logo: http://www.invest-in-serbia.com/thumbnail.php?file=slike-news/BambiLogoLg_807665489.png&size=article_large