The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €24.04 million loan to Fabrika Decje Hrane d.o.o. (“Baby Food Factory”), one of Serbia’s largest baby food manufacturers and a part of the prominent Nelt Group, a leader in logistics and distribution in the Western Balkans.

This investment by the EBRD will finance capital expenditure, allowing the Baby Food Factory to increase its production capacity, introduce new products, and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the loan will improve the company’s financing structure, positioning it for further expansion.

As part of this investment, Fabrika Decje Hrane is committed to promoting greater gender inclusion by increasing the percentage of women employed in logistics, distribution, and information technology, which are critical areas of the business.

Miloš Jelić, CEO of Nelt Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are pleased that the EBRD will support us in realizing our vision for the future growth of Fabrika Decje Hrane, one of Nelt Group's key strategic projects. This financial arrangement will enable the further expansion and diversification of Fabrika Decje Hrane brands to all current Nelt markets, including sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond. This marks the beginning of a long-term formal cooperation between Nelt Group and the EBRD on various projects.”

Miljan Ždrale, EBRD Regional Head of Agribusiness, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This project with Nelt Group formalizes our relationship after years of building connections with Nelt’s founders and senior management. This financing will support the client's growth and diversification across markets in central and southeastern Europe. It also signifies the first step towards a long-term partnership with Nelt, which operates in key regions including the Western Balkans and sub-Saharan Africa.”

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested over €9 billion through 355 projects to date, with a strong emphasis on supporting the private sector. The Bank’s priorities in Serbia include enhancing private-sector competitiveness, advancing the green energy transition, and promoting sustainable infrastructure.