SPAR Slovenia has crowned entrepreneurs Uroš and Valentina Kavčič as winners of the fifth season of the Start it up, Slovenia! initiative, which concluded in December 2020. The initiative gives local entrepreneurs the chance of winning an exclusive long-term contract with SPAR to sell their products instore. Uroš and Valentina Kavčič won with their Mr. and Ms. Jam organic fruit spreads, made with surplus fruit from their family farm.

Start it up, Slovenia!

SPAR Slovenia launched Start it up, Slovenia! in cooperation with advertising agency Formitas Creative and POPTV, Slovenia’s most popular tv channel. Since the launch of the initiative in 2016, 36 entrepreneurs have presented a total of 180 products in a bid to win the title of ‘HIT’ product of the year.

At the start of each season, the entrepreneurs’ products are available exclusively in INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. The most successful products are then launched in SPAR stores nationwide. The project encourages entrepreneurs to develop new products by supporting them in expanding into new markets.

The project has traditionally attracted many entrepreneurs with eco-friendly and healthy products. SPAR Slovenia intends to encourage the creation of sustainable products within this initiative in the future, in line with its responsible retailing goals.

Winners of the fifth season

In 2020, entrepreneurs Uroš and Valentina Kavčič convinced consumers with their organic fruit spreads, Mr. and Ms. Jam, made with surplus fruit from the family’s farm in the sunny Vipava Valley.

“The winners of the fifth season are accustomed to hard work and overcoming obstacles. From the very beginning, their brand has been developing, growing, and most of all, listening to customers and their needs. Even in uncertain and challenging times like these, the product is innovative, suited to international markets, and future-oriented”, said Igor Mervič, former General Manager of SPAR Slovenia.

“As in all previous years, the voice of our SPAR customers was decisive in choosing the winners. I would like to thank them for supporting Slovenian entrepreneurs together with us”, said Igor Mervič.

Please find more information on the Start it up, Slovenia! initiative here: https://www.startajslo.si/

Source: SPAR Slovenia

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About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was founded 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, 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.