Koka, the market leader and Croatia’s largest producer of chicken meat, including the renowned Cekin brand, has announced a landmark investment: the construction of Europe’s most advanced hatchery. This ambitious project, valued at €20 million and fully funded by the company’s own resources, represents a major stride in technological and environmental innovation for the Croatian food giant. Koka’s longstanding commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistently high product quality, recognized through numerous certifications and accolades from satisfied consumers. The hatchery project, designed with a maximum annual capacity of 45 million chickens, was presented by Nenad Klepac, President of the Management Board of Vindija, Stjepan Sabljak, President of the Management Board of Koka, and Neven Habunek, Director of Investments. They emphasized the project's crucial role in enhancing domestic poultry production capabilities, elevating industry standards, and boosting market competitiveness.
“This year has been both challenging and highly successful for Vindija. We have demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and innovation, which strengthens our confidence in facing future challenges” said Nenad Klepac, CEO of Vindija. He added: “The Croatian food industry, especially the poultry sector, has proven to be a cornerstone of self-sufficiency and security in the food supply chain, particularly during times of global disruption and uncertainty. As a leader in the industry, we are committed to enhancing domestic food production by adopting the latest technologies, improving self-sufficiency, and significantly advancing environmental standards. The new hatchery exemplifies this commitment. It will be a state-of-the-art facility, setting the highest standards in Europe and reinforcing our leadership in the food industry.”
The construction of Croatia's largest and most technologically advanced hatchery is in full swing. Spanning over 7,000 m², with more than 5,000 m² dedicated to production, this cutting-edge facility is set to redefine industry standards. Construction commenced in July 2024, with the completion of all works expected by the end of June 2025. The facility is projected to be fully operational, with equipment functioning and production processes established, by September 2025.
“Our 63 years of expertise at Koka are deeply embedded in this project,” said Stjepan Sabljak, President of the Management Board of Koka. He continued, “The new hatchery will serve as a key strategic component of our integrated poultry production, ensuring the highest levels of product quality and safety. Cekin chicken remains the number one choice in Croatia, as consistently confirmed by our loyal consumers. This project will drive further development, elevate standards, and expand our production capabilities to even greater heights. We have financed this ambitious project entirely through our own resources. However, we hope to see stronger support from Croatian institutions for the domestic poultry industry, especially given its strategic importance to the nation. The Croatian poultry sector has proven its capacity to ensure self-sufficiency in poultry meat for domestic needs—an essential asset during times of crisis.”
The new hatchery, a cornerstone of integrated poultry production, will feature highly advanced digitized systems, with some components ranking among the first of their kind globally. Automated processes and cutting-edge technical systems will provide precise control over every stage of production, resulting in enhanced quality and efficiency. This investment aligns seamlessly with the European Union’s green transition goals, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions, optimized energy resource utilization, and minimized environmental impact. The hatchery will be equipped in collaboration with global leaders Royal Pas Reform and Vencomatic Group (Prinzen) from the Netherlands, both renowned for their innovative solutions and state-of-the-art technology.
As part of the Vindija Group, Koka continues to lead the food sector by investing in technologically advanced projects that set benchmarks for quality and sustainability. This hatchery symbolizes the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainable growth, ensuring top-tier products while fostering the long-term development of the industry. Looking ahead, Vindija Group remains steadfast in its mission to raise industry standards and adopt forward-thinking approaches.