Slovenia names best high-growth company for 2026

Nektar Natura, the Kamnik-based supplier of beverages and dispensing solutions for hospitality establishments, has won the 2026 Golden Gazelle Award for best high-growth enterprise in Slovenia.

The award is given out by newspaper publisher Dnevnik, which points out that in the 35 years since its inception, Nektar Natura has developed into a successful international company employing almost 120 people, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Its revenue has increased almost five-fold over the past five years to over €53 million, 74% of which is generated in foreign markets. The company has developed more than 270 recipes for beverages and supplies hotels, cruise ships, festivals, and global brands.

Accepting the award at a ceremony in Cankarjev Dom on 21 October, the company's CFO Boštjan Nahtigal underscored the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges.

The Silver Gazelle went to Kota Petrovče, a developer and supplier of industrial refrigeration and heating solutions. CFO Matjaž Lapornik highlighted a positive work environment, good cooperation among employees, and the ability to work together to find solutions to challenges as key factors in the company's success.

Klančar Žerjavi, a company that has grown from a family-run business into a leading provider of construction cranes, has won the silver Gazelle. CEO Andrej Klančar expressed pride in the company's team and the journey they have taken together.

Economy Minister Anže Logar underscored the importance of added value, innovation and quality for the economy's competitiveness and the country's prosperity. He told the event high-growth companies were important because they could recognise business opportunities, develop new products and services and establish themselves in demanding foreign markets.

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