PIK Vrbovec Celebrates 80 Years of Business

PIK Vrbovec, the leading meat industry in Croatia and the region, is celebrating 80 years of business this year. The beginnings of PIK date back to 1938 when the factory for cured meats started operations, and today it is the most modern facility in this part of Europe, employing over 1,800 people and meeting 40% of the domestic market’s needs for red meat and meat products.

– Behind PIK Vrbovec stands an 80-year-long tradition and experience that we are extremely proud of. PIK is today a stable and promising company important for the Croatian economy, but also a significant potential in 15 export markets where we are present. The result of innovations, investments, and faith in the company has resulted in the largest meat industry in the region and the second-largest food company in Croatia. Certainly, investments are inevitable for achieving results, but behind PIK’s success are its 1,800 employees who drive production every day, as well as the loyalty of consumers who recognize quality and place their trust in PIK, emphasized Mate Štetić, the company’s director.

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Operating under the name PIK Vrbovec, the factory has been in operation since 1961. The most significant changes occurred in the 2000s when a wave of investments began that continues unabated. From 2005 to the present, the amount of investments has exceeded 1.1 billion kuna. The intensified development of the company has resulted in the opening of new facilities that have enabled innovations and the development of new products. On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, PIK has introduced 4 new products: Zrinski ham, Homemade smoked sausage, Dry ham, and Pečenica.

The safety and quality of PIK Vrbovec products are guaranteed by international ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 50001), OHSAS 18001, and IFS Food. Ensuring the health safety of food is further monitored and implemented through HACCP, which allows for the placement of products in the most demanding markets of America, Canada, Europe, and Russia, confirmed by the long-standing possession of the export number HR 10.

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In recent years, PIK Vrbovec has increasingly focused on exports, as evidenced by the fact that 1/5 of total sales is achieved in foreign markets, both in the CEFTA market and in 15 European Union countries.

Additionally, PIK Vrbovec promotes the development of the domestic economy and follows global trends in advocating for the purchase of local products. From Croatian farming, PIK receives over 450,000 pigs and 45,000 cattle annually from more than 100 farms spread across Croatia.