Žito, a renowned bread and pasta producer owned by the Croatian food group Podravka since 2015, has completed a significant renovation of its bakery facility in Maribor. This EUR 9 million investment marks a major milestone in the company’s journey to becoming Slovenia’s largest bakery.

Investment and Modernization

The renovation project, part of a EUR 16.2 million investment cycle that began in January 2022, was celebrated at an inauguration event attended by Tomislav Bujanović, chairman of the Žito group. The facility now boasts a new oven for pastries, a chamber for rising dough, tunnel freezers, and upgraded boiler and compressor rooms. These enhancements allow Žito to implement numerous innovations in the baking of pastries and bread, significantly increasing production capacity.

Strategic Significance

Martina Dalić, chairwoman of Podravka and former Croatian economy minister, emphasized the importance of the investment, stating that Žito is central to Podravka’s bakery operations. She highlighted that the investment solidifies Žito's dominant position in the Slovenian market while expanding its relevance in Croatia and neighboring countries.

"Žito exports more than half of its production, with key markets being Croatia, Italy, and Austria, where both bread and confectionery products are in demand," Dalić noted.

Government Support

Slovenian Economy Minister Matjaž Han expressed his satisfaction with the investment in Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, where 230 of Žito’s 1,000 employees are based. "Every investment that enhances competitiveness benefits the company, employees, and the state," he said, indicating potential government support for further investments.

This renovation project not only strengthens Žito’s market position but also reinforces its commitment to innovation and growth in the baking industry.