THE FOOD INDUSTRY & MARKET IN SLOVENIA

THE FOOD INDUSTRY & MARKET IN SLOVENIA

December 2013

Food Production & Processing

Food Niche Markets

Distribution Channels

December 2013

Flanders Investment & Trade Ljubljana

Paul Vanoverloop – Flemish Economic Representative

Barbara Čeč – Assistant

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 General information on Slovenia's economy ...... 3 2 A general introduction to Slovenia’s food sector ...... 4 3 Slovenia’s food production ...... 5 3.1. Agricultural land (survey) ...... 5 3.2. Agricultural production ...... 5 3.3. Production of cereals & meat: self-sufficiency? ...... 5 3.4. Production of milk and cheese ...... 11 4 Food processing industry ...... 12 4.1. Beer industry: Pivovarna Laško and Pivovarna Union ...... 12 4.2. Bakery, pasta: Pekarna Vrhnika / Dolenske pekarne (Žito) and Mlinotest ...... 13 4.3. Chocolates and confectionery: Gorenjka (Žito), Dobnik, Rajska Ptica ...... 13 4.4. Dairy: Ljubljanske mlekarne, Pomurske mlekarne, Mlekarna Celeia ...... 13 4.5. Droga Kolinska d.d...... 14 4.6. Meat processors: Kras en Panvita MIR d.d...... 14 4.7. Poultry meat processor: Perutnina Ptuj and Pivka Perutninarstvo ...... 14 4.8. Soft drinks and water: Fructal and Radenska ...... 14 4.9. Specialised food processors: Etol and Mercator-Emba ...... 15 4.10. Wine producers: 3 main regions Podravje, Posavje and Primorska ...... 15 4.11. Žito group ...... 15 5 Niche markets and opportunities ...... 15 5.1. Bread and bakery products ...... 16 5.2. Milk and dairy products ...... 19 5.3. Meat and meat products ...... 20 5.4. Bio-food ...... 25 5.5. Food ingredients & nutrition supplements...... 28 5.6. Ready-made meals ...... 31 5.7. Frozen food ...... 31 5.8. Chocolate and confectionery products ...... 33 5.9. Specialty beers ...... 37 5.10. Non-alcoholic and soft drinks ...... 39 6 Food retail market ...... 41 6.1. Mercator ...... 41 6.2. TUŠ and Spar ...... 41 6.3. Discount retailers ...... 41 6.4. Opportunities for Flemish SME’s ...... 41 7 Associations, fairs and useful links ...... 43 7.1. Associations ...... 43 7.2. Trade Fairs ...... 44 7.3. Useful links ...... 44

2 ______1 GENERAL INFORMATION ON SLOVENIA'S ECONOMY

SLOVENIA: MEMBER OF EURO-ZONE SINCE 1/1/2007

Slovenia was part of the Central-European (‘CE’) countries joining the European Union in May 2004 and was the first CE country to join the Euro-zone on 1 January 2007. This joining of the Euro-zone, which went on quite smoothly, highlights that the country's economy was and still is the most advanced in Central-Europe. As a matter of fact, Slovenia's wealth is quite well up to EU-averages: GDP per capita, which is commonly used to measure a nation's wealth, had reached 90% of the EU-27 average in 2008 (cf. IMAD's overview on page 4) but has slipped back, in the aftermath of the 2008-2009 financial crisis, to ca 82% of EU-average.

SLOVENIA’S ECONOMY WENT INTO RECESSION FROM 2009 ON

Slovenia’s economy showed a decent growth till mid 2008 when the worldwide financial and economic crisis started to take its toll. Slovenia's GDP decreased 8% in 2009. GDP growth was again positive in 2010 and 2011, with +1.4% and 0.6% respectively, but only shortly. In 2012, Slovenia’s economy dipped again into recession, with a negative GDP growth of 2.5%. The European Commission published beginning November 2013 its autumn predictions for the EU- economies. The EC predicts for Slovenia a negative GDP growth in 2013 (- 2.7%) and even still in 2014 (-1%), when Slovenia will be the only EU-economy, together with Cyprus, to show still a negative GDP growth. Slovenia’s economy is predicted to grow from 2015 on.

INFLATION AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)

In the period 2004-2006, Slovenia's inflation (end-of-year) remained at a relatively low and stable level between 2.3% (2005) and 3.2% (2004). Ironically, inflation shot up in the year 2007, when Slovenia joined the Euro-zone, to a level as high as 5.6%. Some observers believe that this higher inflation in recent years is not only a result of higher economic growth but also of internal market imperfections (absence of foreign competition). CPI dropped in 2009 to 0.9% in 2009 but then hovered around its normal level of 2.1% in the period 2010-2013 (the only exception being 2012, when the CPI-index reached 2.8%).

UNEMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR MARKET

In the period 2000-2005, registered unemployment remained stubbornly above the psychological mark of 10%. Only in 2006, it dropped below this 10% level, so as to drop further to 7.7% in 2007 and to 4.5% in 2008. In the period 2009-2012, unemployments till remained under the psychological level of 10%. However, as from 2013 on, the EC expects Slovenia’s unemployment to exceed the 11% level. Also, one should be aware that in some less economically developed regions of Slovenia, employment already reached levels of 15%.

FOREIGN TRADE, GROSS DEBT AND BUDGET DEFICIT

Most of Slovenia's foreign trade is with EU (70% of exports and 75% of imports, typically), with Slovenia usually having a trade deficit. In the first two months of 2009 both exports to and imports from EU decreased vs. 2008 with 25% and 30% respectively, causing the export/import ratio to improve to 95% (87% in 2008 Q3). Slovenia's typical external trade deficit also applies to food products. Due to the economic crisis, Slovenia's budget deficit

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______3 worsened from -0,9% in 2008 to -5.5% and -6.5% of GDP in respectively 2009 and 2010. Another negative result of the 2008-2009 financial crisis is the evolution of Slovenia’s Gross Debt: it raised from 22.8% in 2008 to 54.41% in 2012, when it still managed to stay under the Maastricht-norm of 60%. In 2013, Slovenia’s gross debt is expected to come out at 63% and is expected to raise further to 70% in 2014 and 74% in 2015.

PROSPECTS FOR SLOVENIA’S ECONOMY AS OF END 2013

Mid 2013, Slovenia’s economy is in a deep recession and in serious troubles, even so that the country was, at one moment, rumored to be a next candidate for an EU-rescue, after the rescue of Cyprus in the beginning of 2013. Slovenia’s economy is predicted to remain during 2013 in recession, with a negative GDP growth of -2.7% p.a. Unemployment is predicted to reach 12% for 2013. In the beginning of May 2013, the new Slovenian government (headed by Ms. Alenka Bratušek) approved an emergency package, including a raise of the VAT-rate (from 20% to 22%, as from 1 July 2013 on), including wage moderation and the sale of some state-owned companies such as the carrier Adria, Slovenija Telekom, NKBM (Nova Kreditna Banka Maribor, the second largest bank). It remains now to be seen how fast the Slovenian Government is able to sell off the assets. The proceeds from the sell offs are urgently needed to fill the 2013 budget gap. Otherwise, the budget deficit risks to raise to 8% of GDP by the end of 2013. The European Commission evaluated the emergency package by end May 2013 and concluded it required additional measures. Slovenia’s Parliament adopted in October 2013 and amended budget for 2014. Beginning of November 2013, the results of the stressed tests on 8 Slovenian banks became known. The bad news was that Slovenia would require ca Euro 3 bln to recapitalize its banks. Nova Ljubljanska banka, Nova Kreditna Banka Maribor and Abanka Vipava, the 3 main banks that are still state-owned, need together a capital injection of ca Euro 3 bln in total. The good news is that Slovenia is able to recapitalize the financial sector with its own efforts and does not need external EU-help (ie an EU bailout under the supervision of the so-called troika). Be it as it may, Slovenia’s economy is, together with Cyprus’, the only EU-economy which is predicted to show in 2014 a negative GDP growth. Slovenia’s economy will show positive growth only from 2015 on.

2 A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO SLOVENIA’S FOOD SECTOR

First, we will have a macro-view on Slovenia’s food sector. In a first step, we will have a closer look at Slovenia’s food production, thereby quickly analyzing for the main categories (such as cereals, fruits, dairy products, meat etc) whether Slovenia can sustain its own internal food demand. If not, there are supply opportunities, i.e. export from Flanders to Slovenia. In a second step, we will have a look at Slovenia’s food processing industry, so as to check, again, whether some of the food processing capacities are missing, i.e. whether there are opportunities for export. In the second half of this study, we give a survey of all food niche segments where foreign food suppliers may play or are already playing a role. This second part is concluded by an overview of Slovenia’s food retail market. At the end of this sector study, you will find an overview of Slovenia’s main food industry associations and of its main fairs as well as some other useful links.

4 ______3 SLOVENIA’S FOOD PRODUCTION

3.1. AGRICULTURAL LAND (SURVEY)

Slovenia’s total surface is 2,027 mln ha or ca 20,000 square km (this is ca 2/3 of Belgium and is comparable to Switzerland). No less than 54% of this total surface is covered by forest, with Slovenia ranking third in Europe (after Sweden and Finland) in terms of the proportion of forests in total surface. In 2009 only 468 thd ha or only 23% of the total surface was classified as “agricultural land”, of which half is located in high-lands or mountains, resulting in unfavourable conditions for production. Indeed, only 37.4% of this agricultural land is considered as “arable”, i.e. suitable for growing crops. No less than 57% of the agricultural land is simply grassland and, as to the proportion of grassland, Slovenia is again ranking third, with only Switzerland and Ireland having a higher proportion of grassland. Due to unfavourable conditions (a dense forest cover and high proportion of grassland), Slovenia struggles with a low proportion of arable land and the agricultural production is rendered difficult in one way or another in 70% of the agricultural land in Slovenia: these unfavourable conditions do not prevent agricultural production but make it less competitive (resulting in higher output prices) and less adaptive (so that it takes much more effort to amend to new trends in food consumption).

3.2. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Slovenia’s value of agricultural production amounted to EUR 1,106 mln in 2008, which was ca 3% of its 2008 GDP (in current prices). This agricultural production is roughly split evenly in crop production and in animal output (estimated in 2008 at EUR 530 and EUR 556 mln respectively). This is quite logical: on the one hand thanks to the high proportion of grassland, breeding cattle is very important in the agricultural production; on the other hand, half of the arable land (58% in 2009) is dedicated to the production of crops.

3.3. PRODUCTION OF CEREALS & MEAT: SELF-SUFFICIENCY?

Slovenia’s agricultural production is evenly split out in crop and meat production. So, an important question is whether Slovenia is self-sufficient in those two main areas. Below is a survey of the production of cereals and meat, this time in tonnages for the period 2005 – 2011 (incl. 2000, so as to have some reference). It is immediately obvious that, generally speaking, Slovenia is to a fairly high degree self-sufficient certainly for meat concerns; it was less the case for cereals but here the situation improved substantially in 2011 (see below):

Table 1: Provisional crop and animal supply balance sheets for calendar year, Slovenia 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Cereals Usable production (1000 t) 493.8 576.3 493.6 531.9 579.6 532.8 568.9 607.8 TOTAL Domestic use (1000 t) 1,028.3 960.0 986.2 992.8 912.3 965.4 1,020.0 881.8 . Domestic use for human 258.2 248.1 252.1 250.3 241.2 222.1 248.1 242.3 consumption . Domestic use for animal 665.2 611.3 631.6 645.8 582.9 667.6 692.9 552.0 feed

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______5 . Domestic use of which for 25.1 25.8 25.6 25.2 26.4 23.0 24.3 27.5 human consumption (%) . Domestic use of which for 64.7 63.7 64.0 65.0 63.9 69.2 67.9 62.6 animal feed (%) Degree of self-sufficiency (%) 48.0 60.0 50.0 53.6 63.5 55.2 55.8 68.9 Human consumption per 129.8 124.0 125.5 124.0 119.2 108.7 121.1 118.1 capita (kg) Meat Gross indigenous production 161.3 172.0 166.7 176.8 177.8 158.3 161.6 155.8 TOTAL (1000 t) Domestic use (1000 t) 176.2 194.7 189.4 191.2 195.5 191.7 192.3 182.9 . Domestic use for human 176.2 194.7 189.4 191.2 195.5 191.7 192.3 182.9 consumption . Domestic use of which for 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 human consumption (%) Degree of self-sufficiency (%) 91.6 88.4 88.0 92.5 90.9 82.6 84.0 85.1 Human consumption per 88.5 97.3 94.3 94.7 96.6 94.2 93.8 89.1 capita (kg) Source: Statistical Office of Slovenia (Monday, June 11, 2012, First Release)

The degree of self-sufficiency is the domestic demand (or use) divided by the usable domestic production. For the production of meat (all of which is for human consumption), this degree of self-sufficiency hovered around the 90% level till 2009 but then dropped to the levels 82- 85% in the period 2009-2011. As far as cereals are concerned, the degree of self-sufficiency is lower: in the range 50-55% in 2006-2009 but then improved to 69% in 2011. Just by way of illustration: the degree of self-sufficiency for a basic item like potatoes was only 58% and for vegetables, it was as low as 36% in 2008.

3.3.1. PRODUCTION OF MEAT AND MILK: A DETAILED LOOK AT LIVESTOCK

On the next four pages, there are more detailed overviews of the livestock numbers for cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep & goats and the corresponding production of meat and / or milk. Some conclusions as to the past 3 years: a) the number of livestock animals is fairly stable; b) meat production (in tones) from slaughtered animals is somewhat down in the period 2009-2012; c) the net production of cow’s milk was also down in the period 2009-2012. With regard to pigs, some striking conclusions can be made: a) the number of pig born/raised in Slovenia has been going down dramatically since 2006; b) at the same time, the number of exported (living) pigs went up dramatically and has remained since the year 2006 on a relatively high level; as a result, Slovenia had to import pork meat during the last few years (this cannot been seen from the table 3.3.3. but is supported by other evidence). The poultry meat production remains fairly stable over the whole period.

6 ______3.3.2. MEAT PRODUCTION: CATTLE

Alteration in livestock number and production of meat & milk

Cattle, alteration in livestock number, production of meat and milk, Slovenia, yearly 2012 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2011 Alteration in livestock number Number of animals, 452,517 476,492 479,581 469,983 472,878 470,151 462,300 98.3 beginning of year Born 165,711 168,696 167,637 165,523 165,885 165,092 163,898 99.3 Import 27,075 24,973 19,347 24,561 23,187 22,976 23,032 100.2 Export 30,509 27,559 32,780 29,978 34,970 38,065 40,823 107.2 Slaughtered 144,859 135,065 131,867 126,401 124,441 125,448 117,450 93.6 Losses 15,902 27,956 31,935 30,810 32,388 32,406 30,894 95.3 Number of animals, end of 454,033 479,581 469,983 472,878 470,151 462,300 460,063 99.5 year Production Net production of milk 623,555 647,060 634,643 607,302 586,340 584,069 599,645 102.7 (thousand litres) Total indigenous meat production (thousand 76.5 77.8 77.2 74.7 77.6 80.2 77.9 97.1 tons) Meat production from slaughtered animals 39.4 38.4 37.2 35.6 35.7 35.8 33.5 93.4 (thousand tons) Gross indigenous production (thousand 42.2 43.0 44.5 41.0 43.2 44.7 43.5 97.4 tons) Meat from slaughter in slaughterhouses (thousand 37.9 38.1 37.2 35.6 35.7 35.8 33.5 93.4 tons)

Source: Statistical Office of Slovenia, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, First Release

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______7 3.3.3. MEAT PRODUCTION: PIGS

Alteration in livestock number, production of meat, Slovenia, yearly

Pigs, alteration in livestock number, production of meat, Slovenia, yearly 2012 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2011 Alteration in livestock number Number of animals, 547,432 575,116 542,591 432,011 415,230 395,593 347,310 87.8 beginning of year Born 950,331 795,538 670,285 528,766 494,588 415,457 336,465 81.0 Import 20,381 19,009 28,885 66,620 63,038 63,636 71,014 111.6 Export 42,989 67,672 91,363 45,461 26,693 36,692 22,888 62.4 Slaughtered 689,456 639,713 599,231 475,478 469,941 420,074 382,876 91.1 Losses 210,583 139,687 119,156 91,228 80,629 70,610 52,928 75.0 Number of animals, end of 575,116 542,591 432,011 415,230 395,593 347,310 296,097 85.3 year Production Total indigenous meat production (thousand 83.1 77.7 72.2 57.8 55.3 49.2 42.3 85.8 tons) Meat production from slaughtered animals 61.2 57.3 54.6 44.1 44.2 39.0 35.6 91.2 (thousand tons) Gross indigenous production (thousand 63.1 62.4 61.3 45.3 44.5 40.2 36.0 89.5 tons) Meat from slaughter in slaughterhouses (thousand 33.6 33.2 31.4 24.1 24.9 23.0 21.0 91.6 tons)

Source: Statistical Office of Slovenia, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, First Release

8 ______3.3.4. MEAT PRODUCTION: POULTRY

Production of meat and eggs, Slovenia, yearly

Poultry, production of meat and eggs, Slovenia, yearly 2012 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2011 Production Number of laying hens 1,120 1,338 1,378 1,553 1,504 1,365 1,145 83.9 (thousand) Eggs (thousand) 263,353 322,411 358,822 360,300 357,086 369,204 322,704 87.4 Total indigenous meat production (thousand 68.8 82.6 83.2 85.3 86.4 82.2 83.7 101.9 tons) Meat production from slaughtered animals 49.6 59.5 59.9 61.4 62.2 59.2 60.3 101.9 (thousand tons) Gross indigenous production (thousand 50.1 59.8 59.9 62.5 63.6 60.9 62.2 102.3 tons) Meat from slaughter in slaughterhouses (thousand 48.1 58.9 58.7 59.5 61.4 58.3 58.7 100.6 tons)

Source: Statistical Office of Slovenia, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, First Release

3.3.5. MEAT PRODUCTION: SHEEP

Production of meat, milk and wool, Slovenia, yearly

Sheep, production of meat, milk and wool, Slovenia, yearly 2012 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2011 Production . Wool (tons) 178 182 190 190 182 163 155 94.8 . Net production of milk (thousand litres) 385 406 457 518 525 594 460 77.4 . Total indigenous meat production 3.242 3.471 3.406 3.348 3.058 2.649 2.617 98.8 (thousand tons) . Meat production from slaughtered animals 1.634 1.692 1.599 1.667 1.631 1.538 1.405 91.4 (thousand tons) . Gross indigenous production (thousand 1.647 1.705 1.611 1,670 1.637 1.538 1.412 91.7 tons) . Meat from slaughter in slaughterhouses 0.117 0.132 0.122 0.116 0.113 0.115 0.110 95.9 (thousand tons)

Source: Statistical Office of Slovenia, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, First Release

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______9 3.3.6. MEAT PRODUCTION: GOATS

Production of meat, milk and wool, Slovenia, yearly

Goats, production of meat, milk and wool, Slovenia, yearly 2012 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2011 Production . Net production of milk (thousand litres) 1,308 1,371 1,494 1,709 1,287 1,090 1,153 105.8 . Total indigenous meat production 0.857 0.709 0.551 0.960 0.679 0.684 0.591 86.4 (thousand tons) . Meat production from slaughtered animals 0.370 0.386 0.329 0.350 0.396 0.350 0.347 99.2 (thousand tons) . Gross indigenous production (thousand 0.370 0.386 0.329 0.350 0.396 0.351 0.351 100.2 tons) . Meat from slaughter in slaughterhouses 0.001 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 163.0 (thousand tons)

Source: Statistical Office of Slovenia, , Wednesday, May 15, 2013, First Release

3.3.7. CONCLUSION

As to Slovenia’s production capacity of cereals and meat, the overall conclusion is that Slovenia is not really capable to be self-sufficient in many sub-sectors. In those sub-sectors where Slovenia is self-sufficient, it does not make much sense to compete with local producers, as the general mind set in a small market, such as Slovenia, is to buy locally, even though some of these products may be more expensive (milk e.g.).

10 ______3.4. PRODUCTION OF MILK AND CHEESE

The below tables gives a good survey of Slovenia’s supply side, i.e. what is locally produced as well as what is imported/exported (table on the next page) for the period 2011 - 2012:

Net production of milk products in Slovene dairies1), Slovenia, 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011 tons indices PRODUCTION OF FRESH PRODUCTS: Drinking milk 155,677 151,624 97.4 . whole milk 90,170 94,566 104.9 . semi-skimmed milk 61,675 53,891 87.4 . skimmed milk 3,832 3,167 82.6 Cream; of fat content by weight: 14,211 13,334 93.8 . not exceeding 29% 8,466 7,784 91.9 . over 29% 5,745 5,550 96.6 Acidified milk (yoghurts, drinking yoghurts and other) 33,659 33,915 100.8 . with additives 13,174 13,841 105.1 . without additives 20,484 20,074 98.0 PRODUCTION OF MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS Powdered dairy products z z 117.1 . cream milk powder, whole milk powder, and z z 60.4 partly skimmed-milk powder . skimmed-milk powder z z 125.9 Butter and other yellow fat dairy products (spreads) 2,680 2,602 97.1 Cheese 18,657 17,994 96.4 . unripened or uncured (fresh) cheese and curd 5,212 5,360 102.8 . cheese (matured) 13,115 12,252 93.4 . processed (melted) cheese 329 382 116.2 Whey, total (in liquid whey equivalent) 96,374 77,035 79.9 Other milk products 3,700 4,427 119.6

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______11 Import and export of milk and milk products, dairies, Slovenia, 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011 tons indices IMPORT: Whole milk in bulk in containers above 2 l (including raw milk) 37,489 34,724 92.6 Whole milk in bulk in containers up to 2 l 2,236 3,324 148.7 Skimmed and semi-skimmed milk 164 142 86.8 Cream 512 500 97.6 Acidified milk (yoghurts, drinking yoghurts and other) 1,673 2,099 125.4 Cheese 578 455 78.7 Butter and dairy spreads 46 44 96.3 Other products (powdered dairy products, concentrated milk, 139 397 284.8 buttermilk whey) EXPORT: Milk and cream in bulk 21,487 26,925 125.3 Milk (in containers up to 2 l) 69,428 65,574 94.4 Acidified milk (yoghurts, drinking yoghurts and other) 9,805 10,590 108.0 Cheese 3,340 2,705 81.0 Butter (dairy spreads) 468 431 92.1 Powdered dairy products 424 440 104.0 Concentrated milk 0 0 - Whey 21,507 17,045 79.3 Other products 487 597 122.6

4 FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

The Slovenian food processing industry is quite extensive and has a relatively long tradition. Hence, the purpose of this chapter is not to be exhaustive but rather to focus on the main Slovenian food processors in some important (niche) segments.

4.1. BEER INDUSTRY: PIVOVARNA LAŠKO AND PIVOVARNA UNION

Although Slovenia is admittedly more a wine growing and drinking nation, there is a beer producing tradition, with two major breweries: Laško, which is the biggest, and Union (based in Ljubljana). As a matter of fact, the two breweries used to be arch-rivals but were merged in a LBO-deal end 2004, which led Interbrew to with-draw from its attempt to takeover Union. The financing of the LBO-deal (around entrepreneur Boško Šrot) came later on into trouble and, as a result, the shares of the Laško-group ended up in the hands of the financing bank (NLB) and Mercator-group.

Pivovarna Laško d.d.: http://www.pivo-lasko.si/

Union Pivovarna d.d.: http://www.pivo-union.si/EN/default.asp

12 ______There are a few private breweries such as Pivovarna Lipnik (www.lipnik.si) and Pivovarna Kratochwill (www.kratochwill.si) but they are very small and not well known except perhaps Pivovarna Adam Ravbar (www.pivnica-adamravbar.si). Even these smaller breweries produce mainly lager or, to a lesser extent, dark beer. Unlike in Belgium/Flanders, the Slovenian beer industry does not produce specialty or stronger (higher fermentation) beers and, as a result, there are opportunities for Flemish specialty beers, many of which are already imported and well known in the Slovenian market. As a matter of fact, the supply of Belgian specialty beers has been steadily increasing during the past recent years, especially in the capital Ljubljana, which is also a university city. Most of the Belgian specialty beers on offer in pubs seem, moreover, to be imported in Slovenia via parallel import, often via Italian wholesalers. So, there are opportunities for Flemish breweries to sell their specialty beers in Slovenia directly via a Slovenian importer/distributor.

Perhaps also interesting to know: Laško and Union produce, like their counterparties in Bavaria or Austria, a so-called Radler, which is a mixture of lager and lemon-lime (Zitronen- limonade in German) and is quite popular in the (hot) summer time. Laško has even a brand Bandidos, with mixtures of lager and caiperinha or rum or tequila …

4.2. BAKERY, PASTA: PEKARNA VRHNIKA/DOLENSKE PEKARNE (ŽITO) AND MLINOTEST

The Žito group (http://www.zito.si/index.php?id=329) dominates Slovenian bakery with two important bakeries: Pekarna Vrhnika and Dolenjske pekarne, which both produce bread and pastries; 2 other Slovenian bakeries are Klasje Celja (http://www.klasje.si/en/index.php) and Pekarna Grosuplje (http://www.pekarna-grosuplje.com/) based in Grosuplje, near the capital city Ljubljana. Pekarna Grosuplje was taken over by the Slovenian retailer Mercator in 2008. Since then all bread and pastries offered by retailer Mercator is made in-house by their own bakery Pekarna Grosuplje. Mlinotest Zivilska (http://www.mlinotest.si) is an important company that produces pasta (for which it is best known), milled and pastry products. Žito group and Mlinotest together produce 75% of the local pasta and wheat flour and half of the Slovenian bread production.

4.3. CHOCOLATES AND CONFECTIONERY: GORENJKA (ŽITO), DOBNIK, RAJSKA PTICA

Confectionery is produced in Slovenia mainly by the Žito group, with their well-known brand Gorenjka (chocolate and pastries): http://www.zito.si/index.php?id=336. Apart from Žito, there are still quite a few Slovenian manufacturers of chocolate and confectionery products. In Ljubljana Rustika (no website) and Benedict are well known. Benedict produces its own chocolates under the tradename of Cukrcek (http://www.cukrcek.si/en/index.html) but also distributes chocolates & confectionery. Other chocolate producers outside Ljubljana are Dobnik (http://www.dobnik.si), Čokoladnica Olimje (http://www.syncerus.si) and Rajska Ptica čokoladnica (http://www.cokoladnica.si/eng), amongst others.

4.4. DAIRY: LJUBLJANSKE MLEKARNE, POMURSKE MLEKARNE, MLEKARNA CELEIA

Ljubljanske mlekarne (http://www.l-m.si/en/) are the largest dairy in Slovenia. They produce a broad range of dairy products and have a couple of dominating brands (eg. Alpsko, Mu and

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______13 Maxim) in Slovenia. End 2012, the French dairy group Lactalis agreed to take over a majority stake (owned by Slovenian state funds) in Ljubljanske mlekarne. Lactalis’ takeover bid was cleared by Slovenia’s antitrust authority in February 2013 and Lactalis then launched a bid for all the remaining shares. Two other important, be it more regional, Slovenian dairies are Pomurske mlekarne (http://www.pomurske-mlekarne.si/en/Default.asp) in the North-east of Slovenia and Mlekarna Celeia (http://en.zelenedoline.si/) near Celje (central Slovenia). An interesting dairy is Mlekarna Krepko (http://www.mlekarna-krepko.si), which is famous for its buttermilk (kefir) for which they received an Award from the Brussels-based IQTI in 2009.

4.5. DROGA KOLINSKA D.D.

Droga Kolinska group (http://www.drogakolinska.si/en) was formed in May 2005 after the merger between Droga (based in Portorož) and Kolinska (based in Ljubljana). The group was the largest food processor in Slovenia and had a dominant position in the segments of coffee and soft drinks, where it has two very valuable brands Barcaffe (the number one brand coffee in Slovenia) and Cockta (a soft drink known also in other ex-Yugoslavia-countries) and consequently large market shares. It also manufactures other food products like snacks, spreads and baby food. A majority stake was held by the holding group Istrabenz, which came into financial troubles in 2009. As a result, Istrabenz announced in the beginning of 2010 its intention to sell Droga Kolinska and non-binding bids were received. By the end of June 2010, Istrabenz sold their 95% stake in Droga Kolinska to Croatian Atlantic Grupa, which is a leading Southeast European producer of sports food (http://www.atlantic.hr/en).

4.6. MEAT PROCESSORS: KRAS EN PANVITA MIR D.D.

Slovenia has two important meat processors, which typically dominate in their region. Kras (http://www.kras.si/?lng=eng) is based in the Kras-region (Southeast of Sloveniva). Panvita (http://www.panvita.si/en/vsebina/ave) is based in Gornja Radgona (Northeast of Slovenia region, also known as “Prekmurje”). Both Kras and Panvita are established brand names in Slovenia and have a solid market position in Slovenia; both companies export to neighboring countries Italia (especially Kras), Hungary (especially Panvita) and Croatia (Kras & Panvita).

4.7. POULTRY MEAT PROCESSOR: PERUTNINA PTUJ AND PIVKA PERUTNINARSTVO

Slovenia has two poultry meat processors. Perutnina Ptuj (http://www.perutnina.com/en) is the largest Slovenian player and operates also in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. Pivka Perutninarstvo (or ‘Pivka Poultry’: http://www.pivkap.si/company) is smaller and also a much more national player, even though it has a subsidiary in Belgrade (Serbia).

4.8. SOFT DRINKS AND WATER: FRUCTAL AND RADENSKA

Slovenia has quite some tradition in the production of soft drinks. Without any doubt, the most valuable brand is Cockta, a local variant of coca-cola with a long history going back well into times of Yugoslavia (link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockta).

14 ______Cockta is well known not only in Slovenia but also in former Yugoslavia-countries such as Bosnia, Croatia or Serbia. The brand Cockta was bought in 2000 by the Droga Kolinska group (see paragraph 4.5 above). Another well known Slovenian brand for soft drink is Fructal (http://www.fructal.si). Fructal, which focuses on fruit juices, was part of the Žito group till 2011, when it was acquired by the Serbian group Nectar (http://www.nectar.rs/eng ).

Radenska (http://www.radenska.si/indexEng.php), which is owned by the Laško brewery, is the largest Slovenian producer of mineral water.

4.9. SPECIALISED FOOD PROCESSORS: ETOL AND MERCATOR-EMBA

The Slovenian company Etol (http://www.etol.si) produces flavours and additives for a broad range of food products. Another specialized food producer is Mercator-Emba (http://www.mercator-emba.si/index.php?id=1&lang=en) producing specialized food products such as instant drinks or dessert additives; it also processes dry fruits and nuts.

4.10. WINE PRODUCERS: 3 MAIN REGIONS PODRAVJE, POSAVJE AND PRIMORSKA

Having a long history of producing wines, Slovenia has 3 main wine growing areas. Podravje region in the North is the largest wine growing area. The region is famous for its sparkling wines from Radgona (site: http://www.radgonske-gorice.si/en/sparkling-wines ) as well as for its white wines coming from areas around Maribor (Slovenia’s second largest city hosts the world’s oldest vine), Ptuj (wine cellar Ptujska klet, owned by Perutnina Ptuj, is the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia) and Ljutomer-Ormoz (with the Jeruzalem-Ormouž cellar: http://www.jeruzalem-ormoz.com/main/Dobrodosli.aspx ; only in Slovenian). The Posavje region is the only region that produces more red wine than white one (be it by a small margin) and focuses on bulk-production. Primorska in the South of Slovenia consists of 3 sub-regions such as Kras, Vipava and, last but not least, the Goriška brda region (close to Italy) that is internationally renowned for its quality wines (red and white). One of the most internationally renowned cellars is Movia: http://www.movia.si/en. Dolenjska is not a main wine growing region but is locally known for its red wine cviček.

4.11. ŽITO GROUP

ŽITO Prehrambena industrija d.d. (“ŽITO food industry plc.”) is a publicly listed and well diversified Slovenian group (http://www.zito.si/index.php?id=301) manufacturing a broad range of food products going from flour/cereal products and bread over pastries to chocolate, sweets, confectionary as well as coffee/tea and even spices, rice etc. Žito group has some strong brands in portfolio such as Gorenjka (chocolate).

5 NICHE MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITIES

This chapter tries to describe some recent trends in the Slovenian food market as well as to indicate whether these trends in some sub-segments equal export opportunities for Flemish SMEs. One general truth to keep in mind is that, as far as food and drinks are concerned, Slovenians quite obviously prefer to ‘buy Slovenian’. There are likely two main explanations for this: a) Slovenia is a very small market (2 mln inhabitants) which is easier prone to

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______15 protectionism; b) Slovenia, as one of the most advanced economies, has a respectful tradition in food manufacturing in the industrial and artisanal way and, hence, a quite decent supply basis. As a result, it does not make much sense to come with products which are also manufactured locally (people will buy the local products even if they are sometimes more expensive) or, put in another way, most of the export opportunities lie in the food niche segments where the Slovenian supply is on the weak side or simply inexistent such as: specialty beers, chocolates & confectionery, food ingredients and nutrition supplements, bio- food, to name a few, or equipment & machines needed in the food processing industry.

5.1. BREAD AND BAKERY PRODUCTS

On the one hand, there are regional industrial bakeries that deliver to the retail chains or some retail chains (Mercator e.g.) have even their in-house bakeries producing every day fresh products. On the other hand, Slovenian households, who love natural products, quite often bake their own bread. A trend here is that more and more households bake their own bread with modern bread baking devices in-stead of the traditional way (oven). Below is a list of the main bakeries, some of which also act as distributors for bread & bakery products. These bakeries can be a target for producers of specialized equipment for bakeries. The list:

DOLENJSKE PEKARNE Ločna 2 8000 Novo mesto Tel: +386 7 393 07 42 Fax: +386 7 393 07 75 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zito.si Contact: Mr Bojan Markovič

DON DON d.o.o. Laze 16, p.p. 546 4001 Kranj Tel: +386 4 270 22 10 Fax: +386 4 270 22 13 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dondon.si Contact: Mr Peter Šalamun

KLASJE CELJE d.d. Resljeva ulica 18 3000 Celje Tel: +386 3 426 15 01 Fax: +386 3 426 15 11 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.klasje.si Contact: Mrs Silva Trstenjak

16 ______

KOROŠKE PEKARNE d.d. Koroška cesta 2 2370 Dravograd Tel: +386 2 872 10 00 Fax: +386 2 872 10 16 Contact: Mr Darko Črešnik E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.koroske-pekarne.si

KRUH – PECIVO Ulica Jožice Flander 2 2000 Maribor Tel: +386 2 450 32 00 Fax: +386 2 450 32 03 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zito.si Contact: Mrs Irena Kurent

MLINOPEK d.d. Industrijska ulica 11 9000 Murska Sobota Tel: +386 2 534 16 40 Fax: +386 2 534 10 73 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mlinopek.si Contact: Mr Karel Pojbič

MLINOTEST d.d. Tovarniška cesta 14 5270 Ajdovščina Tel: +386 5 364 45 00 Fax: +386 5 364 46 18 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mlinotest.si Contact: Mrs Boža Koren

PEKARNA GROSUPLJE Gasilska 2 1290 Grosuplje Tel: +386 1 786 69 00 Fax: +386 1 786 42 73 E-mail: [email protected]

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______17 Website: http://www.mercator.si/si/znamke/pekarna- grosuplje/ Contact: Mr Tomaž Linec

PEKARNA PEČJAK d.o.o. Dolenjska cesta 442 1291 Škofljica Tel: +386 1 53 04 500 Fax: +386 1 36 01-570 Contact: Mrs Tanja Pečjak E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pekarna-pecjak.si

PEKARNA PLANIKA d.o.o. Triglavska cesta 43 4260 Bled Tel/Fax: +386 4 574 44 65 Contact: Mr Drago Kenda E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pekarna-planika.si

PEKARNA POSTOJNA Kolodvorska 5c 6230 Postojna Tel: +386 5 700 08 15 Fax: +386 5 700 08 20 Contact: Mr Tomaž Čeligoj E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kruhek.si

PEKARNA VRHNIKA Idrijska 21 1360 Vrhnika Tel: +386 1 755 89 00 Fax: +386 1 755 30 44 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zito.si Contact: Mrs Nataša Medved

PTUJSKE PEKARNE IN SLAŠČIČARNE Rogozniška cesta 2, 2250 Ptuj Tel: +386 2 748 05 20 Fax: +386 2 776 17 81

18 ______E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.p-pekarne-slascicarne.si Contact: Mr Igor Ranfl

ŽITO d.d. Intes Meljska cesta 19 2000 Maribor Tel: +386 2 450 32 72 Fax: +386 2 450 32 71 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zito.si Contact: Mr Igor Lipovnik

5.2. MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS

This is again a niche market where the Slovenians prefer to “buy Slovenian”, even though low efficiency in the Slovenian dairy industry results in average output prices which are noticeably higher than in EU (e.g. milk costs almost double than in Belgium or the Netherlands). The same goes for other dairy products, as the Slovenian dairies have very often their own cheaper variants of famous cheeses (like brie, camembert, gorgonzola, etc). As a result, opportunities seem limited but then, again, the diaries can be an interesting tar-get for producers of specialized machines or equipment needed in the dairy production.

LJUBLJANSKE MLEKARNE d.d. Tolstojeva 63 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 588 15 00 Fax: +386 1 588 18 87 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.l-m-si Contact: Mrs Irena Kopitar

POMURSKE MLEKARNE d.d. Industrijska cesta 10 9000 Murska Sobota Tel: +386 2 536 12 00 Fax: +386 2 522 13 39 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pomurske-mlekarne.si Contact: Mr Marjan Horvat

MLEKARNA KREPKO Kele & Kele d.o.o. Laze 22a 1370 Logatec Tel: +386 1 759 01 60

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______19 Fax: +386 1 759 01 65 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.krepko.si Contact: Mrs Sandra Turnšek

MLEKARNA CELEIA Arja vas 92 3301 Petrovče Tel: +386 3 713 38 10 Fax: +386 3 713 38 41 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zelenedoline.si Contact: Mrs Nataša Pirš

MLEKARNA PLANIKA d.o.o. Gregorčičeva ulica 32 5222 Kobarid Tel: +386 5 3841 000 Fax: +386 5 3841 020 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mlekarna-planika.si Contact: Mrs Anka Lipušček Miklavič

5.3. MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS

As noted earlier, Slovenia is relatively well self-sufficient as to the production of meat, with the exception perhaps of pigs. The reason for this is double: Slovenians eat relatively a lot of pig meat and some of the pigs that are raised are exported. In Slovenia, the 2 main (industrial) meat processors are KRAS and PANVITA MIR. Also, it has to be said that Slovenia has a tradition of excellent meat processing, with hams, salami, prosciutto etc that can compete with Europe’s best products. In many agricultural areas there still is a wide-spread tradition of home-made meat products which are often used as means to attract tourists (agro-tourism). Be it as it may, in this segment of meat products, there are definitely opportunities for Flemish SMEs. Below is a list of potential distributors of meat (products):

CELJSKE MESNINE d.d. Cesta v Trnovlje 17 SI-3000 Celje Tel: +386 34 255 222 Contact: Mr Srečko Kokot E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.celjske-mesnine.si

HOČEVAR d.o.o. Dolnja Težka Voda7b

20 ______8000 Novo mesto Tel: +386 7 30 80 131 Fax: +386 7 30 89 939 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarstvo-hocevar.si

KOŠAKI TMI, d.d Oreško nabrežje 1 SI-2000 Maribor Tel: +386 2 23 52 200 Fax: +386 23 52 251 Contact: Mr Danijel Marinič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kosaki.si

KRAS d.d. Šepulje 31 6210 Sežana Tel: +386 5 731 03 00 Fax: +386 5 731 03 27 Contact: Mr Pavel Žvab E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kras.si

MESARIJA ARVAJ Britof 25 SI-4000 Kranj Tel: +386 4 280 21 00 Fax: +386 4 280 21 19 Contact: Mrs Ivana Arvaj E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.arvaj.si

MESARIJA GREGORC Golniška cesta 102 SI-4000 Kranj Tel: +386 4 20 16 600 Fax: +386 4 20 16 607 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarijagregorc.com

MESARIJA GSELMAN Fram 53a 2313 Fram Tel: +386 2 601 2301

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______21 Contact: Mr Božo Gselman E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gselman.com

MESARIJA LEČNIK Trg svobode 4 2390 Ravne na Koroškem Tel: +386 2 870 56 50 Fax: +386 2 870 56 52 Contact: Mr Alojz Lečnik E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://mesarija.lecnik.net/

MESARIJA MLINARIČ, d.o.o. Železniška ul.1 SI-4248 Lesce Tel: +384 4 53 18 332 Fax: +386 4 53 18 872 Contact: Mr Jože Mlinarič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mlinaric.si

MESARIJA OBLAK Loška 1 SI-4266 Žiri Tel: +386 4 51 05 662 Fax: +386 4 51 05 661 Contact: Mr Janez Oblak E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarstvo-oblak.si

MESARSTVO BLATNIK Selska ulica 46 1291 Škofljica Tel: +386 1 366 30 80 Fax: +386 1 366 60 08 Contact: Mr Robert Blatnik E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarstvo-blatnik.si

MESARSTVO BOBIČ Škocjan 52 8275 Škocjan Tel: +386 7 3077 670 Fax: +386 7 3077 671

22 ______Contact: Mr Matej Bobič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarstvo-bobic.si

MESARSTVO FLERIN d.o.o. Dunajska c. 372 1231 Črnuče Tel: +386 1 561 28 80 Fax: +386 1 563 53 80 Contact: Mr Jože Flerin E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarstvoflerin.si

MESARSTVO IGOR BRAČIČ d.o.o. Ljubljanska c.17 2327 Rače Tel: +386 30 600 681 Fax: +386 2 609 73 01 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesarstvobracic.com

MESARSTVO KODILA Markišavci 44 9000 Murska Sobota Tel: +386 2 522 36 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kodila.siTel:

MESNINE DEŽELE KRANJSKE d.d. Agrokombinatska 63 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 547 24 02 Fax: +386 1 547 24 02 Contact: Mr Marko Oman E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesnine-dezele-kranjske.si

MESARIJA STRAŠEK d.o.o. Stari trg 11 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel: +386 3 757 12 46 Contact: Mr Andrej Strašek E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.strasek.com

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______23 MESO IZDELKI ŽERAK Podlehnik 8 2286 Podlehnik Tel: +386 2 761 99 40 Fax: +386 2 761 99 42 Contact: Mr Marko Žerak E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mesoizdelkizerak.com

MESO KAMNIK d.d. Korenova c. 9, Podgorje 1241 Kamnik Tel: +386 1 831 92 40 Fax: +386 1 839 13 70 Contact: Mr Marko Višnar E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ihan.si

Panvita, MIR d.d. Ljutomerska cesta 28A 9250 G. Radgona Tel: +386 2 564 91 50 Fax: +386 2 561 17 68 Contact: Mrs Tanja Mulec E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.panvita.eu

PELOZ d.o.o. Loke 1A 5000 Nova Gorica Tel: +386 5 33 50 400 Fax: +386 5 33 50 410 Contact: Mrs Erna Peloz E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.peloz.si

PERUTNINA PTUJ d.d. Potrčeva Cesta 10 SI-2250 Ptuj Tel: +386 2 749 01 00 Fax: +386 2 74 90 130 Contact: Mrs Vesna Vidrih E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.perutnina.com

24 ______PIVKA PERUTNINARSTVO d.d. Kal 1 SI-6257 Pivka Tel: +386 5 70 31 000 Fax: +386 5 70 31 001 Contact: Mr Damjan Oblak E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pivkap.si

5.4. BIO-FOOD

Of all Central-European countries that joined the EU in the first and second wave, Slovenia is the country with the highest purchasing power. On top of that, it must be said that the eco- awareness amongst Slovenians is quite high. Hence, it is no surprise that there has been a clear trend to (often more expensive) bio- & eco-food products, like in the rest of Europe. Below is a list of potential distributors.

BIO SI d.o.o. Šentjungert 35a 3021 Šmartno v Rožni dolini Tel: +386 3 620 22 00 Fax: +386 3 620 22 03 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.biosi.si

BIO-PHARMA d.o.o. Majde Vrhovnikove 8 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 505 13 47 Fax: +386 1 515 29 48 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bio-pharma.si

BIO SVET, Iris Szilagyi s.p. Smlednik 118 SI-1216 Smlednik E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.biosvet.si

BIOVAN Vanja Flucher s.p. Pesnica pri Mariboru 47 2211 Pesnica pri Mariboru Tel: +386 0590 29 548 Fax: +386 0590 29 549 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.biovan.si, www.bio-trgovina.si

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______25

COBIO d.o.o. Slovenska cesta 29 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 425 43 27 Fax: +386 1 425 43 28 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cobio.si

DENEL d.o.o. Vodovodna cesta 109 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 360 27 67 Fax: +386 1 360 27 70 Contact: Mrs Eva Korpar E-mail: [email protected]

HERBAS BIO Šmarješke toplice 117 8220 Šmarješke toplice Tel: +386 40 292 813 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.creativenature.si

KALČEK d.o.o. Celovška 228 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 522 33 582 Fax: +386 1 522 33 497 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kalcek.si

MAGISTRAT INTERNATIONAL d.o.o. Kotnikova 28 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 30 84 100 Fax: +386 1 23 02 450 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.magistrat.si

MEDIACOR d.o.o. Obrtniška ulica 9 3240 Šmarje pri Jelšah Tel: +386 3 817 11 70 Tel/Fax: +386 3 817 11 77

26 ______E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zdravahrana-biotop.si

MEDIUM d.o.o. Žirovnica 60 c 4274 Žirovnica Tel: +386 4 580 50 20 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ekosvet.net

MITAX d.o.o. Cimermanova 2 1260 Ljubljana Tel: +386 4 580 50 20 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mitax.si

PREMA d.o.o. Majorja Lavriča 12 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 510 11 35 Fax: +386 1 510 11 30 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.prema.si

SFERA d.o.o. Ob železnici 14 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 59 21 78 17 Fax: +386 1 520 52 61 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sfera.si

SONITAL d.o.o. Cesta Ljubljanske brigade 9A SI-1000 Ljubljana-Šentvid Tel: +386 1 516 15 50 Fax: +386 1 516 15 51 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sonital.si

TRGOVINA KLASJE – SIRAH d.o.o. Gradišče 12 6210 Sežana Tel: +386 5 734 10 07 Fax: +386 5 734 51 83

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______27 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.trgovinaklasje.si

UNITEKS ZASTOPSTVA d.o.o. Šmartinska 152 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 520 10 76 Contact: Mrs Ksenija Gašperšič E-mail: [email protected]

VITA CENTER d.o.o. Pivka 23a SI-4202 Naklo Tel: +386 4 25 19 553 Fax: +386 4 25 19 570 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vitacenter.si

ZIN d.o.o. Andričeva 12 1108 Ljubljana Tel: +386 30 919 555 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zin.si

ŽIVA CENTER d.o.o. Kurilniška ulica 18 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 4364671 Fax: +386 1 4364672 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zivacenter.org

5.5. FOOD INGREDIENTS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS

Another trend has been the increasing use of food ingredients and nutrition supplements, which are used e.g. in food or drinks for sportsmen. Again, this is to be put into the perspective of Slovenia’s relatively high purchasing power as well as of the sportive nature of Slovenians. Below is a list of potential importers/distributors for food ingredients/supplements:

ADRENALIN d.o.o. Tabor 4 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 41 500 061 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fit-shop.si

28 ______ARICOM d.o.o. Ulica Sergeja Mašera 34 5222 Kobarid Tel: +386 5 389 01 09 Fax: +386 5 389 01 09 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.aricom.si

BODY FIT – Jernej Klemenič s.p. Pernetova 1 1236 Trzin Tel: +386 1 56 41 195 Fax: +386 1 56 44 157 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bodyfit.si

DIFAR d.o.o. Varda 8 5000 Nova Gorica Tel/Fax: +386 5 333 15 23 GSM: +386 40 22 99 56 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.difar.si

EDITA KLEMEN s.p. Kolodvorska cesta 32 6230 Postojna Tel: +386 31 766 789 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bestbodyshop.si

MAXXIMUM SHOP Parmova 51 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 436 60 23 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.maxximum-shop.com

NutriLAB, d.o.o. Slovenska 47 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 438 68 10 Fax: +386 1 438 68 15 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nutrilab.si

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______29

PROTEINI.SI (ROLNET d.o.o.) Kranjska cesta 2A 4240 Radovljica Tel: +386 40 248 248 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.proteini.si

TGSPORTLIFE Bežigrad 13 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 0599 29 203 Fax: +386 0599 29 204 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.trgsportlife.net

T.H.E. d.o.o. Obrtna cona Ugar 29 1310 Ribnica Tel: +386 5 904 09 84 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.the-nutrition.com

VELMARK d.o.o. Koroška 33 2000 Maribor Tel: +386 2 250 81 63 Contact: Mr Marko Veleski E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sportnaprehrana.com

Two Slovenians manufacturers of nutrition supplements are:

FIDIMED d.o.o. Brodišče 32 1236 Trzin Tel: +386 1 563 45 20 Fax: +386 1 563 45 30 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fidimed.si

MEDEX d.d. Linhartova cesta 49 A 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 475 75 00

30 ______Fax: +386 1 475 75 22 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.medex.si

5.6. READY-MADE MEALS

In the past recent years, there has been a trend towards ready-made meals. In Slovenia there are two important players. Proconi (http://www.proconi.si/en/home) is known also abroad, as it received 2 awards in 2010 from the Brussels-based International Taste & Quality Institute. In the beginning of 2008, Proconi concluded a partnership agreement with the French player Fleury Michon, who is one of the European leaders in pre-cooked food. ETA (http://www.eta- kamnik.si/eng/eng.php) is the other Slovenian player. The trend has been noticed by retailers, such as the leading Slovenian retailer Mercator, who started to offer their own ready-made meals. Given those local players, this may prove a quite difficult niche segment to enter. Below are the two main Slovenian players:

PROCONI, d.o.o. Staneta Rozmana 16 9000 Murska Sobota Tel: +386 2 530 50 49 Fax: +386 2 530 50 38 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.proconi.si Contact: Mr Boštjan Žerdin

ETA KAMNIK d.d. Kajuhova pot 4 1242 Kamnik Tel: + 386 1 830 84 00 Fax: + 386 1 830 84 60 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eta-kamnik.si Contact: Mrs Mateja Marinček

5.7. FROZEN FOOD

Another trend in Slovenia’s food market is the continuously growing popularity of deep frozen food products. FrozWebsiteen food exists in all food categories. In the category of pastries, Žito group (with the Hokus brand: http://www.zito.si/index.php?id=333) and Pekarna Pecjak (http://www.pekarna-pecjak.si/index.php?PageID=455) are important players. Perutnina (http://www.perutnina.com/ready_made_products) offers a range of frozen poultry products. Below is a list of potential distributors (frozen food):

BRUMEC – RUČIGAJ d.o.o. Testenova 55 SI-1234 Mengeš Tel: +386 1 530 91 50 Fax: +386 1 530 91 70

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______31 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.brumec-rucigaj.si

DIGIT d.o.o. Žeje pri Komendi 116 SI-1218 Komenda Tel: +386 1 562 33 70 Fax: +386 1 562 17 99 Contact: Mr Ivan Miklič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.digit.si

ETA Food Industry, d.d. Kajuhova pot 4 SI-1241 Kamnik Tel: +386 1 830 84 32 Fax: +386 1 830 84 62 Contact: Mr Marko Konič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eta-kamnik.si

FAMILY FROST d.o.o. Šmartinska 102 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 50 04 550 Fax: +386 1 50 04 560 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.family-frost.si

KVIBO, d.o.o. Predilniška 16 SI-4290 Tržič Tel: +386 4 598 15 21 Fax: +386 4 598 15 13 Contact: Mr Boštjan Meglič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kvibo.si

LECLERC (RUDNIDIS d.o.o.) Jurčkova cesta 225 SI–1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 42 04 100 Fax: +386 1 42 04 150 Contact: Mrs Magdalena Klemenšek E-mail: [email protected]

32 ______Website: www.e-leclerc.si

MERCATOR d.d. Dunajska cesta 107 SI–1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 56 01 000 Fax: +386 1 568 23 90 Contact: Ms Tanja Savenc-Klinc E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mercator.si

SPAR Slovenija d.o.o. Letališka 26 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 5844 400 Fax: +386 1 5844 401 Website: www.spar.si Contact: Ms Nadja Železnik ([email protected])

VIGROS d.o.o. Puconci 10 SI-9201 Puconci Tel: +386 2 536 10 70 Fax: +386 2 536 10 71 Contact: Mr Viljem Šiftar E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vigros.si

ŽITO d.d. Šmartinska cesta 154 1529 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 5876 100 Contact: Mrs Andreja Vidic E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zito.si

5.8. CHOCOLATE AND CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS

Needless to say that Belgian and Flemish chocolate and confectionery products enjoy a very strong reputation also in Slovenia. The main Belgian/Flemish brands are being distributed on the Slovenian market already since many years and can be bought in all main retailers. Thanks to the strong brand image and reputation, they can withstand without problem the predominance of the local brand Gorenjka (Žito group). Below is a list of potential importers and distributors for chocolate and confectionery products:

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______33 BARON COMPANY d.o.o. Sernčeva ulica 010 3000 Celje Tel: +386 3 491 47 60 Fax: +386 3 541 18 33 Contact: Mrs Polona Koren E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.baron-com.si

BENEDICT d.o.o. Mestni trg 11 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 421 04 53 Fax: +386 1 421 04 54 Contact: Mr Luka Fojkar E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cukrcek.si

BIMO d.o.o. Gorenjesavska c. 48 4000 Kranj Tel: +386 4 231 14 22 Fax: +386 4 231 98 74 Contact: Mr Albin Kern E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bimo.si

DENEL d.o.o. Vodovodna cesta 109 SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 360 27 67 Fax: +386 1 360 27 70 Contact: Mrs Eva Korpar E-mail: [email protected]

DROP SHOP d.o.o. Mrharjeva 8 SI-1210 Ljubljana Tel: +386 41 463 019 Fax: +386 1 512 64 89 Contact: Mr Dejan Tomažin E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.drop-shop.si

34 ______EUROWEST d.o.o. Žaucerjeva 20 SI-1125 Ljubljana Tel/fax: +386 1 25 73 670 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eurowest.si Contact: Mr Veljko Kozjak

GAUS d.o.o. Parmova 53 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 41 667 037 Fax: +386 4 537 82 38 Contact: Mr Tomaž Eržen E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gaus.si

INTEREXPORT d.o.o. Potok pri Komendi 12 1218 Komenda Tel: +386 1 834 44 00 Fax: +386 1 834 44 55 Contact: Mr Brane Hren E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.interexport.si

KZ METLIKA z.o.o. Cesta XV. brigade 2 8330 Metlika Tel.: +386 7 363 70 00 Fax: +386 7 363 70 11 Contact: Mrs Darja Pezdirnik E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kz-metlika.si

MAGISTRAT INTERNATIONAL, d.d. Kotnikova ulica 28 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 308 41 00 Fax: +386 1 230 24 50 Contact: Mrs Barbara Doljak E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.magistrat.si

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______35 MERIT INTERNATIONAL d.o.o. Letališka cesta 3C 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 548 36 20 Fax: +386 1 544 25 22 Contact: Mr. Igor Černčec E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.merit-international.si

MS KOMUNIKACIJA, d.o.o. Kosovelova ulica 16 SI-3000 Celje Tel: +386 3 544 24 40 Fax: +386 3 544 24 41 Contact: Mrs Mastnak Renata E-mail: [email protected]

ORBICO d.o.o. Brnčičeva 31 1231 Ljubljana-Črnuče Tel: +386 1 588 68 00 Fax: +386 1 588 69 00 Contact: Mrs Alenka Šuštar E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.orbico.si

STORCK d.o.o. Brdnikova ul. 44 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 244 37 50 Fax: +386 1 244 37 70 Contact: Mrs Špela Fečur E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.storck.si

TIM TRADE Kidričeva 6 3310 Žalec Tel: +386 41 445 695 Fax: +386 3 571 55 83 Contact: Mrs Tadeja Pustoslemšek E-mail: [email protected]

ŽITO GORENJKA d.d. Rožna dolina 8

36 ______4248 Lesce Tel: +386 4 535 32 00 Fax: +386 4 535 32 72 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gorenjka.si Contact: Mr Peter Gašperin

5.9. SPECIALTY BEERS

Slovenia is admittedly a small market (2 mln inhabitants) but its relatively high purchasing power per capita makes it an interesting market for specialty beers, which are usually (quite a bit) more expensive. As a result, quite a lot of Flemish specialty beers (like Duvel, Grimbergen, Leffe, Delirium, etc.) are already for some years on the Slovenian market, where they can be bought at the larger retailers (Leclerc and Mercator e.g.) or even consumed in pubs in the larger cities. Some breweries have their own (exclusive) distributor on the market. Below is a list of potential distributors:

BELMONT d.o.o. Nadgoriška cesta 8 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 40 333 397 Fax: +386 1 561 28 95 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sampanjec.si

DAVIDOV HRAM d.o.o. Loke 37 3333 Ljubno ob Savinji Tel: +386 3 839 35 00 Fax: +386 3 839 35 07 Contact: Mr.Dušan Žehelj E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.davidovhram.si

HIŠA DVC-Merit International d.o.o. Letališka 3c 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 548 36 63 Fax: +386 1 544 25 22 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eshop.dvc-plus.si

GAMA TRGOVINA d.o.o. Blatnica 1 1236 Trzin Tel: +386 1 56 37 465

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______37 Fax: +386 1 56 37 466 Contact: Mr Bojan Vohar E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gama.si

G3 SPIRITS d.o.o. Tacenska cesta 20 1210 Ljubljana-Šentvid Tel: +386 1 512 60 52 Fax: +386 1 512 60 56 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.g3spirits.com

INTERŠTIRN doo Breg ob Savi 47 4211 Mavčiče Tel: +386 4 2355 455 Fax: +386 4 2355 450 Contact: Mr Janez Štirn E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.interstirn.si

KZ METLIKA z.o.o. Cesta XV. brigade 2 8330 Metlika Tel: +386 7 363 70 00 Fax: +386 7 36 37 011 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.kz-metlika.si/ Contact: Mrs Darja Pezdirnik

MABAT INT. d.o.o. Kapele 2 8258 Kapele Tel: +386 7 4523 100 Fax: +386 7 4523 111 Contact: Mr Jožef Prosevc E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mabat-int

PAULI doo. Triglavska cesta 12 4264 Bohinjska Bistrica Tel: +386 4 57 47 080 Fax: +386 4 57 47 081

38 ______E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.paulaner.si

PROVIN d.o.o. Ulica Gubčeve brigade 56 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 568 1619 Fax: +386 1 568 2618 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.provin.si

STOCK TRADE d.o.o. Železna cesta 16 1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 234 4680 Fax: +386 1 234 4690 Contact: Mr Ivan Grm E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stock.si

5.10. NON-ALCOHOLIC AND SOFT DRINKS

Slovenia’s non-alcoholic drinks sector is quite well developed with some important local brands (e.g. Cockta) and several producers of fruit juices (Dana, Fructal, Matica) or of water (Dana, Radenska). As a result, this niche segment seems more difficult to enter. Below is a list of the main local players and of potential importers/distributors:

COCA COLA HBC SLOVENIJA Motnica 9 1236 Trzin Tel: +386 1 589 04 00 Fax: +386 1 589 04 75 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.coca-cola.si

DANA, d.d. Glavna cesta 34 8233 Mirna Tel: +387 7 346 22 00 Fax: +387 7 346 22 10 Contact: Mrs Petra Matjašič Nader E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dana.si

FRUCTAL d.d. Tovarniška 7

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______39 5270 Ajdovščina Tel: +386 5 3691 000 Fax: +386 5 36 91 810 Contact: Mr Branko Tomažič E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fructal.si

MATICA d.o.o. Pesnica pri Mariboru 70/d 2211 Pesnica pri Mariboru Tel: +386 2 653 20 51 Fax: +386 2 653 20 50 Contact: Mr Franc Račel E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.matica.si

OPOJ SOKOVI d.o.o. Suhadole 49a 1218 Komenda Tel: +386 1 724 03 00 Fax: +386 1 724 03 13 Contact: Mrs Marta Vidmar E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nektar.eu

PRESAD d.o.o. Pod Radovnico 3 SI-8233 Mirna Tel: +386 7 34 81 200 Fax: +386 7 34 81 230 Contact: Mr Marcel Verstovšek E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.presad.si

RADENSKA, d.d., RADENCI Boračeva 37 9502 Radenci Tel: +386 2 520 20 20 Fax: +386 2 520 10 24 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.radenska.si

ROISS DVA d.o.o. Red Bull office Leskoskova 2

40 ______1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 584 33 10 Fax: +386 1 584 33 15 E-mail: [email protected]

6 FOOD RETAIL MARKET

The Slovenian food retail market is consolidated and highly concentrated, with the top five retailers accounting for around 75 - 80% of the market. The Slovenian food retail market is shaped by a mixture of domestic and West-European retailers.

6.1. MERCATOR

The Slovenian group Mercator is the biggest player on the food retail market. It used to have a market share of around 45% but that has been dented by the entrance of discounters. As a result, Mercator’s share of the retail market has shrinked to ca. 30-35%. Mercator’s outlets range from the smaller neighbourhood outlets (often leased) to super- & hypermarkets. Importantly, Mercator also expanded in former Yugoslavian countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia). Mercator has the ambition to become a leading retailer in Southeast Europe: it has already opened supermarkets in Albania & Bulgaria (in 2009) and it plans to enter FYR Macedonia and Kosovo (by 2012). Mid 2013, Mercator’s shareholders undertook a new attempt to sell the company, as it already happened a couple of times in the recent past. Like before, the Croation food concern Agrokor won again the tender procedure with the best bid. As of end 2013, Agrokor’s bid was not yet cleared by Slovenian authorities and it was unclear whether Agrokor would be able to acquire Slovenian retailer Mercator or not.

6.2. TUŠ AND SPAR

The Slovenian group TUŠ and Spar are the numbers two in the market, with each having an approx. 15% share of the retail market. Spar Slovenija is a subsidiary of the Austria-based ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG, which has subsidiaries in CEE). Both are interesting targets to approach, even though some decisions at Spar are not taken locally but either in Austria or in the Netherlands.

6.3. DISCOUNT RETAILERS

From the above-mentioned market shares, it appears that Mercator, Spar and TUŠ have together a ca 65% share of the Slovenian retail market. The remaining 35% is shared amongst discount retailers such as Hofer (= Aldi) and Lidl (both German) and the French Leclerc (which has a hypermarket in Ljubljana and in Maribor). Last, it is of note that the Mercator group has their own local discount store Hura!

6.4. OPPORTUNITIES FOR FLEMISH SME’S

Amongst these retailers, the two most interesting are the two Slovenian retailers TUŠ and Mercator, even though they are not easy to be approached. Both have centralised purchasing departments where product group managers are responsible for the purchase of specific food

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______41 product categories. Generally these two Slovenian retailers prefer to buy Slovenian food products, as these are often preferred by their customers. So, the challenge is to approach them with specific as well as quality products.

Here follows a list of the main contact persons per segment of the 3 main retails chains (Mercator, TUŠ and Spar) as well as of the 3 discounters Leclerc, Hofer (Aldi-group) and Lidl. However, it should be noted that there is often a high turnover of personnel with these retailers or discounters. Hence, it is always advisable to contact FIT Ljubljana, which will be happy to assist you in setting up a business meeting with one of the purchase managers of these retailers and/or discounters in Slovenia.

MERCATOR d.d. Dunajska cesta 107 SI–1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 56 01 000 Fax: +386 1 568 23 90 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mercator.si

Contacts: Mrs Nives Rudolf (non-food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Manja Stržinar (fresh food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Tanja SAVENC-KLINC (frozen food), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Romana Kramar (Managing Director of Modiana – Mercator’s fashion department) E-mail: [email protected]

ENGROTUŠ d.o.o. Cesta v Trnovlje 10a SI-3000 Celje Tel: +386 597 33 000 Fax: +386 597 33 045 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tus.si

Contacts: Mr Mitja Rampre (fresh food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mr Erik HANUŠ (non-food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Jelka Sovinc (frozen food), e-mail: [email protected]

SPAR SLOVENIJA d.o.o. Letališka 26 SI–1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 5844 400 Fax: +386 1 5844 401 E-mail: [email protected]

42 ______Website: www.spar.si

Contacts: Mrs Sonja Petkovšek (food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Bernarda Pavlič (non-food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Janja Štular (marketing), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Nadja Železnik (frozen food), e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Katja Gorup (textile), e-mail: [email protected]

E. LECLERC (Rudnidis d.o.o.) Jurčkova cesta 225 SI–1000 Ljubljana Tel: +386 1 42 04 100 Fax: +386 1 42 04 150 Website: www.e-leclerc.si E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Mrs Nataša Božič (food market program), e-mail: [email protected] Mr Robert Kunstek (textile), e-mail: [email protected]

HOFER TRGOVINA (ALDI) Kranjska cesta 1 SI-1225 Lukovica Tel: +386 1 834 66 00 Fax: +386 1 834 66 28 Website: www.hofer.si E-mail: [email protected]

LIDL d.o.o. Žeje pri Komendi 100 SI-1218 Komenda Tel: +386 1 729 74 00 Fax: +386 1 729 74 01 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.lidl.si

7 ASSOCIATIONS, FAIRS AND USEFUL LINKS

7.1. ASSOCIATIONS

Gospodarska zbornica Slovinje (“GZS” the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce) has a so-called branch organisation called Zbornica kmetijskih in živilskih podjetij (ZKŽP), or Chamber of Agriculture and Food Enterprises.

Dimičeva 9, Ljubljana

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______43 Tel: + 386 15 686 704 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.gzs.si/slo/panoge/zbornica_kmetijskih_in_zivilskih_podjetij

This GZS branch organisation ZKŽP also co-ordinates the Slovenian Technological Platform Food for Life (“STP Hrana za živilenje”, which is part of the European Technological Platform Food for Life). Contact person: Mrs Petra Medved E-mail: [email protected] More info on STP can be found here: www.fabnet.agrif.bg.ac.rs/prezentacije/beograd2/11.%20Petra_Medved.ppt (PPT-presentation of ETP-seminar in Belgrade, January 2008). The STP was officially launched end September 2007. Website: http://www.stp-hrana.si/.

7.2. TRADE FAIRS

In Slovenia, there are two yearly food trade fairs. The biggest trade fair is AGRA, organised by Pomurski sejem, in Gornja Radgona usually end of August – beginning of September. The fair is dedicated to agriculture and food products & processing. In the beginning of the year, usually in the beginning of February, a smaller Fair of Tastes, known formerly as GASTexpo, is held in Ljubljana Exhibition Centre. Fair of Tastes or GASTexpo is dedicated to HoReCa (including catering), bakery & confectionery, ice cream and gastronomy, in general.

AGRA fair: http://www.pomurski-sejem.si/ang-kzs/kzs.htm Note: every two years (2008, 2010, 2012 etc) part of AGRA is dedicated to the food packaging industry (that part of the fair is called INPAK).

GASTexpo: http://www.gast.si/default.asp?mid=en The next fair GASTexpo, now relabeled as “Fairs of Tastes”, will take place from 29/01/2014 till 01/02/2014 in Ljubljana Exhibition Centre (Gospodarsko razstavišče, in Slovenian).

7.3. USEFUL LINKS

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food: http://www.mkgp.gov.si/en/

On this site, information can be found on the following topics:

 Info on Agriculture: http://www.mkgp.gov.si/en/areas_of_work/agriculture/

 Info on Food Safety: http://www.mkgp.gov.si/en/areas_of_work/food_safety/

 Info on Legislation: http://www.mkgp.gov.si/en/legislation_and_documents/

44 ______ Ministry’s Bodies (Phytosanitary & Veterinary Administration oa)

http://www.mkgp.gov.si/en/bodies_of_the_ministry/

Statistical Office RS, statistical data on agriculture and fishing: http://www.stat.si/eng/tema_okolje_kmetijstvo.asp

SLOVENE Legislation - Plant Protection Products http://www.furs.si/law/slo/ffs/Index_EN.asp

SLOVENE Legislation - Mineral Fertilizers http://www.furs.si/law/slo/ffs/gnojila_EN.asp

The information in this publication is provided for background information that should enable you to get a picture of the subject treated in this document. It is collected with the greatest care on the bases of all data and documentation available at the moment of publication. Thus this publication was never intended to be the perfect and correct answer to your specific situation. Consequently it can never be considered a legal, financial or other specialized advice. Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or incompleteness’s, and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organization mentioned

Food Sector / Slovenia| December 2013 ______45