Ljubljana, 15 November (STA) - Kamnik-based Nektar Natura, a leading European provider of beverages for hotels, has been named the ITM Exporter of the Year by SPIRIT Slovenia, the state agency promoting entrepreneurship and investment. Nektar Natura operates globally, reaching customers on nearly every continent.
Founded in 1993, Nektar Natura employs 125 people and generates 95% of its revenue from sales across more than 30 markets. It was picked as the winner for excelling in objective indicators while demonstrating exceptional international business practices.
Nektar Natura director and co-funder Tomaž Lah hailed the significance of the award, presented on Thursday at the conclusion of the International Trade Management (ITM) programme, which supports businesses in entering and thriving in international market. He said it was "a result of hard work, persistence, and exceptional collaboration."
"We have learned from challenges in the market and successfully overcome them. The ITM programme has been instrumental in our growth in foreign markets, enhancing the skills of our employees and equipping them with knowledge to make better decisions. The tools and insights we gained have not only improved our competitiveness but also contributed to the sustainable development of our business," Lah stated.
SPIRIT Slovenia director Rok Capl meanwhile highlighted the agency's role as a "one-stop shop" for export-oriented companies.
"Our extensive range of activities, services, and programmes focuses heavily on training businesses for successful entry into foreign markets. The ITM programme, organised since 2006 in cooperation with the ITM Worldwide Foundation and the Swedish Trade Council, is particularly noteworthy. Participants consistently report that, in addition to gaining valuable export knowledge, they build lasting business connections with lecturers, fellow participants, and international firms," Capl noted.
In 2024, 14 participants from small and medium-sized enterprises joined the ITM programme to expand their export activities. These include Elaphe, Prokum, MDR, Angelis, SNEP, Solviks, TU-VAL, Marušič, G.O.Z.D. - BIO LES, OMID, NEST SYSTEMS, Alpod, Vovk, and Microbium.
Par Johnson, president of ITM Worldwide, praised the Slovenian participants for their knowledge and motivation, emphasising the programme's importance in developing skilled export managers in a competitive environment.
This year marks the 11th presentation of the ITM Exporter of the Year award. Previous recipients include Seltron, Geneplanet, Xlab, Metra Engineering, Strip's, Špica International, Eurotronik, Termo Shop, Dewesoft, and Adria Dom.
