Vranje, Serbia (AFP) April 24, 2026
As he threaded his way through the scrub in Serbia's southern hills, Slobodan Velickovic stopped to inspect the small indigo berries that have made the Balkans a key part of the global gin industry.
Although still months from the autumn harvest, the 34-year-old picker - who has collected juniper here since childhood - expertly plucks an almost ripe berry from the bush.
"Strong aroma, b
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