From the very beginning, Vlatka and Miroslav Kuzmić knew what they wanted to produce: healthy and ecological food. They have tirelessly lived their entrepreneurial story without deviating from their fundamental principles. Therefore, only the production of natural products without preservatives, pesticides, additives, artificial colors and flavors, animal or genetically modified ingredients is considered.
– We lived that philosophy: plant-based nutrition, sustainability, healthy living. We wanted to create food that we believe in and that we eat. At the time we started, veganism was an unknown concept, and ecological products were a rarity. We wanted to be an alternative, but not just declaratively, but with quality and consistency. That motivation still guides us today – emphasizes Vlatka Kuzmić, director of Annapurna from Sveti Nedelja.
Every Kuna for Production
Although on paper Annapurna was established as a limited liability company in 2016, the real story began fifteen years earlier. In 2001, the Kuzmićs, as students without prior work experience, except for occasional jobs, started a small craft business for personal needs and out of conviction. At that time, the offer of vegan and ecological food in Croatia was almost non-existent, Kuzmić said, there were no brands to look up to, and they actually started from scratch, but with a vision, will, and many attempts. Annapurna grew from a small workshop to a factory, and the transition to a limited liability company nine years ago was necessary to support the expansion of production and a more serious market presence. On that journey, Miroslav led the company as the director responsible for production and strategy, while Vlatka took care of business development and operations.
– We complement each other in managing the business and developing products. We have been working together for two decades and successfully run a company that continuously grows, without employed managers and directors. We financed our first steps through loans. Later, when the business began to grow, we invested our own funds and took out loans again for expansion. We did not use European Union funds, but rather state subsidies for interest, and every Kuna was invested in the production facility, equipment, and people. And since our product offering is based on soy and wheat protein, we produce tofu with various flavors: classic, smoked, with olives, basil, or paprika, as well as seitan, tempeh, vegan pâté, vegan sausage, salami, and hot dogs, along with semi-prepared meals that can be prepared in three minutes. We also have nut butters, namely hazelnut, peanut, cashew, and almond – Kuzmić listed.
