Nestled on the outskirts of the Drava Plain, farm Hecl stands as a 26-hectare livestock farm that seamlessly blends traditional farming practices with modern innovations. Driven by a passion for producing natural, high-quality dairy products, the Hecl family took a significant step forward in 2011 by establishing their own on-site processing facility. This development allowed them to take full control over every aspect of milk production and processing, ensuring that each product is crafted with exceptional care and precision.
Farm Hecl’s operations center around their herd, for which they cultivate all the necessary feed on their own fields, promoting a self-sustaining and eco-friendly approach. Over the past decade, their dedication has transformed into a diverse portfolio of 43 unique products, including a wide variety of yogurts, ranging from fruit and honey yogurts to lactose-free options. They also offer an extensive range of other dairy products, mainly variants of cheeses.
Open to visitors who wish to immerse themselves in an authentic farm experience, farm Hecl invites guests to witness the milk processing firsthand and indulge in tastings of their fresh dairy products. This immersive environment combines tradition, quality, and a deep respect for nature, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
Their key competitive advantage is the traceability of their raw materials. By sourcing milk directly from their own cattle, they maintain complete control over the entire production chain – from cultivating feed and milking to processing the final products, ensuring consistency, transparency, and the highest standards of quality in every step.
The farm’s focus is firmly on livestock and milk production, with a commitment to maintaining high yields and superior milk quality. Processing around 130,000 litters of milk annually, the farm continues to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, investing in equipment like a yogurt filling and labelling machine to streamline production while preserving their hands-on approach.
Farm Hecl’s products are widely accessible, available in their on-site shop, through package vending machines, in supermarkets, and in local stores like Cooperative Dobrina. They take great pride in seeing their dairy products featured in public institutions, such as kindergartens, schools, and nursing homes across Maribor and the surrounding areas, ensuring that their commitment to quality reaches the broader community.
To maintain the freshness and integrity of their dairy goods, Farm Hecl manages the distribution logistics using a refrigerated van, guaranteeing that the cold chain is upheld from the farm to the consumer’s table. This dedication ensures delivery of high-quality, flavourful products that honour nature and tradition to wide range of customers.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Production Process Management: A key advantage of farm Hecl is their complete control over the milk production process. By managing everything from feed cultivation to processing in their own facility, they ensure traceability and quality at every stage of its operations.
Processing Investments: Investing in technology, like the yogurt filling and labelilng machine, has allowed farm Hecl to streamline its operations, focus on maintaining high product quality, and meet the increasing demand efficiently.
Cold Chain Logistics: Farm Hecl ensures that their products reach customers in perfect condition by managing transport using a refrigerated van. This commitment to maintaining the cold chain guarantees the freshness and quality of their dairy goods from farm to table.
Quality Assurance: Farm Hecl’s dedication to producing natural, GMO-free, and high-quality products is evident in their certification labels and numerous awards, confirming their excellence and innovation in dairy production.
Diverse Product Range: The farm has transformed its expertise into a wide array of 43 dairy products, including various yogurts, cheeses, and lactose-free options. This diversity allows them to cater to different consumer preferences and dietary needs, enhancing their market reach and appeal.
Community Engagement: Farm organize dairy production process tours which is strengthening their brand’s authenticity and consumer trust. Through tours and tastings, they offer a transparent look into their operations, emphasizing their commitment to quality and care for nature.
Market Presence: The farm’s products are widely accessible, available in their on-site shop, through vending machines, local supermarkets, and in public institutions, which helps build brand loyalty and increases their visibility in the community.
Excellence Recognition: The numerous gold and silver awards at national and international events like “Dobrote slovenskih kmetij” and the Agra agricultural fair validate farm Hecl’s dedication to producing top-quality dairy products.