SPAR Slovenia and SPAR Croatia have launched new editions of their ‘Start it Up’ campaigns, giving local entrepreneurs the chance to win an exclusive long-term supplier contract with the retailer.

SPAR Slovenia continues to promote local business

Building on six successful seasons, SPAR Slovenia has launched the seventh edition of its ‘Start it Up, Slovenia!’ campaign. Eight young entrepreneurial teams are participating in this year’s competition. 18 of their products are now available in all INTERSPAR Hypermarkets nationwide. The seventh season officially kicked off on 12 September with the unveiling of the product displays in the INTERSPAR Citypark hypermarket in Ljubljana. The participating entrepreneurs, project partners, and Slovenian influencers gathered at the opening event.

On the occasion, the Managing Director of SPAR Slovenia, David Kovačič, said: “I am very proud to be at the launch of the 7th season of ‘Start it Up, Slovenia!’. I am also proud that in recent months, we have jointly developed cutting-edge products building on the entrepreneur’s ideas.”

Slovenia’s TV channel POP TV will broadcast the stories of the young entrepreneurs every Sunday night, starting on 2 October.

Since the launch of ‘Start it Up, Slovenia!’ in 2016, more than 200 new products have been developed by 52 participating teams. The winning products supplied by 40 former participants are available in stores across the country.

SPAR Croatia launches season three

SPAR Croatia launched the third season of its ‘Start Up Croatia’ campaign in partnership with the Croatian channel Nova TV. This year, eight entrepreneurs have the opportunity to introduce their products to the Croatian market. Consumers can find the products in INTERSPAR Hypermarkets and selected SPAR Supermarkets. Ultimately, only one of them will take home the coveted 2022 HIT product title.

SPAR Croatia starts broadcasting the series on Sunday, 2 October at 4:15 pm on Nova TV. The third season will have a total of 11 shows with the winner being announced in December.

Speaking about the campaign, SPAR Croatia Management Board President Helmut Fenzl said: “I am extremely proud that even in these challenging times for retailers and manufacturers, we continue with this project. ‘Start Up Croatia’ attracts an increasing number of small, domestic, manufacturers who create high-quality and innovative products.”

Source: SPAR Slovenia, SPAR Croatia

Read more news from SPAR Slovenia and SPAR Croatia

About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a licence to operate in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR has become a key employer in the country. A Distribution Centre, bakery, and corporate-owned stores provide employment opportunities.

SPAR Slovenia operates three store formats: SPAR neighbourhood, SPAR Supermarkets, and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. The brand is one of the most trusted companies in the country. Nielsen research has placed SPAR first in terms of freshness, quality, and range. The SPAR Bakery has played a vital role in the overall fresh offer in Slovenia and has received excellent customer feedback.

About SPAR Croatia

The first SPAR store opened in Croatia in 2005, following the licence agreement between ASPIAG (Austrian SPAR International AG) and SPAR International in 2004. As a member of the ASPIAG group, SPAR Croatia can access a wide range of own brand products. Brand development has primarily taken place through SPAR Supermarkets and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets, both through the take-over of existing chains and the opening of new stores.