A ceremonial gathering with poultry producers was held at the Koka premises to celebrate the conclusion of another successful business year. The event, hosted by Koka CEO Stjepan Sabljak, brought together employees involved in primary production and private broiler fattening. During the gathering, the significance of Koka's rich tradition and expertise was emphasized, solidifying its role as the cradle of modern Croatian poultry production and the leading force in the poultry industry both in Croatia and the wider region. As part of the celebration, awards were presented to the top three poultry producers for their outstanding production results, underscoring the vital role subcontractors in driving the success and sustainability of this sector.
"Our collaboration with Croatian poultry farmers transcends a typical business relationship. It is a partnership rooted in trust and a shared commitment to quality. Together, we ensure the self-sufficiency of Croatian poultry meat while safeguarding the future of Croatian agriculture. For over six decades, we have cultivated a stable cooperation model that supports our producers and guarantees the highest standards synonymous with Cekin chicken. Today, Koka stands as the leader in poultry farming across Croatia and the region—a success built through a long-term partnership with dedicated Croatian producers and transparent contractual agreements. We have demonstrated resilience in times of crisis, consistently supplying the market with high-quality Croatian chicken. This achievement highlights our unwavering responsibility toward the local community. However, we recognize that large-scale projects can disrupt the delicate balance of production and destabilize the market, posing a potential threat to Croatian agriculture and the economy. At Koka, we remain steadfast in our support for small and medium-sized family farms, which serve as the backbone of domestic production. By fostering long-term, stable partnerships, we empower these producers to grow alongside us, enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the entire sector. Such an approach ensures the stability of domestic production and bolsters competitiveness, which is vital for the future of Croatian poultry farming amidst the challenges of global market trends," said Stjepan Sabljak, CEO of Koka.
During this special ceremony, awards were presented to the three top-performing poultry producers based on their outstanding production results: "Agricultural holding-poultry farming Mario Magdalenić" (Trnovec Bartolovečki), Poultry Farming Novak - Dragutin Novak (Macinec) and Poultry breeding and sale "Koko-Haj" Marko Hajnić (Marija Bistrica). These awards represent Koka's deep appreciation for the hard work and excellence demonstrated by its subcontractors, whose contributions continue to enhance the reputation of Koka and the Cekin brand in both domestic and regional markets.
Founded in 1961, Koka has been at the forefront of Croatian poultry production for decades, setting benchmarks for quality and innovation. Since the establishment of partnerships with private poultry producers in 1963, Koka has laid the foundation for enduring and stable collaborative relationships. Today, the company collaborates with over 70 subcontractors across ten Croatian counties, all of whom adhere to the same rigorous operational principles as Koka's own farms. This integrated production process, spanning "from farm to fork," ensures consistency and excellence at every step. Koka producers use exclusively Croatian-grown cereals and oilseeds, further supporting domestic agriculture and strengthening the local economy. Their commitment and dedication significantly contribute to the stability and sustainability of Croatian poultry farming, a vital aspect of ensuring a robust agricultural sector. These efforts reinforce the quality of Cekin chicken, a product that meets the most stringent safety and quality standards, proudly bearing the "Vindija Quality" seal. Cekin chicken's excellence is validated by a range of globally recognized certifications, including DNV CERTIFICATE for raising poultry without antibiotics, SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for food safety certification, ISO 9001:2008 for quality management, HALAL ER Food Certification, IFS (International Food Standard) higher level, and BRC, grade A (British Retail Consortium) certificate.
Amid growing global demand for poultry meat, Koka remains committed to innovation and future-oriented investments. A key initiative is the construction of the region's most modern hatchery, the largest and most technologically advanced facility of its kind. Equipped with cutting-edge global technology, the new hatchery will enable precise control over all production phases, ensuring the highest quality of day-old chicks. These strategic investments elevate quality standards, enhance the competitiveness of Croatian poultry farming within the European market, and address evolving market demands. By shaping a resilient, competitive, and sustainable industry, Koka continues to play a vital role in driving the Croatian economy forward.