At the heart of Slovenske gorice, Cooperative Dobrina z.o.o.’s vision to unite small-scale farms in a collective effort to deliver high-quality, locally-sourced food to the people of Slovenia turned into reality in 2011. Rooted in the principles of social entrepreneurship, the cooperative emerged with the main objective to transform the local agricultural landscape by promoting sustainable, community-driven food production.
Among those who gathered around this idea were producers and processors from small, traditional farms. Each of them carried with them centuries-old wisdom and a deep love for the land. Their mission, Simple yet noble: to ensure that healthy and natural products from their heartfelt farms reach the hands of every Slovenian. They knew that farming is not just a job, but a way of life that demands respect for nature and people.
They agreed to create something more. Thus, ties were formed with carefully selected farms, where every fruit and every vegetable carried a story of effort and care. Cooperative Dobrina committed to fair compensation for the producers, believing that fair work deserves fair pay. Just as the land yields its best produce when well-tended, so do the farmers need support and encouragement.
However, their vision extended beyond this. The cooperative sought to bridge the gap between rural areas and urban centres, delivering delicious, healthy products sourced not from distant places, but from local suppliers. To achieve this, they collect products from local producers, store them in a central warehouse, and repackage them for final buyers. By optimizing logistics routes, they ensure not only efficient delivery but also a reduced environmental footprint, strengthening their commitment to sustainability. The cooperative also aimed to support organic farming, knowing that the future lies in sustainable food supply. Their goal was also to preserve the cultural heritage of agriculture, to pass on knowledge and to show respect for the past.
Every day, they visit farms, checking the quality of the product while their selection of products is becoming increasingly diverse – from organically grown vegetables to homemade jams and natural juices.
Zadruga Dobrina is not just bringing food to the table; it is also bringing a story of sustainability, connection, and fairness.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Network of Local Suppliers: Through the years Cooperative Dobrina has expanded into a thriving network of over 100 local producers. This collaboration enables them to cultivate, process, and distribute high-quality, fresh food to more than 70 public catering establishments in the Maribor and Slovenske gorice regions, reinforcing their reputation as a key player in local food supply
Sustainability Commitment: Cooperative dedication to sustainable practices is validated by their organic certification, a testament to their environmental efforts and focus on quality. Their focus on local supply chains, minimal environmental impact, and support for sustainable agriculture pis an example of how businesses can balance growth with ecological responsibility.
Digital Presence: The development of an online store has transformed Cooperative Dobrina into a modern digital marketplace, allowing customers to conveniently order weekly boxes of fresh, locally-grown produce. Through the online store the customer reach was expanded and also made it easier for consumers to access high-quality products directly from local farms.
Infrastructure Investments: A major breakthrough for Cooperative Dobrina was the acquisition of a processing facility, empowering cooperative members to add value to their crops. This advancement not only increased the marketability of their products but also strengthened their ability to support local farmers by enhancing their competitive edge in the market
Strategic Partnership: Cooperative Dobrina has built
strong ties with municipalities, local action groups, and NGOs.. Through these networks
they enhance their visibility, actively engage in impactful projects, and
secure funding by successfully accessing grant opportunities, further driving
their mission forward.
Community Engagement: Cooperative Dobrina is not just a supplier of fresh produce, but also fosters a deep connection with the local community. Through events, celebrations, and rustic catering services that highlight the authentic flavours of the Slovenian countryside the cooperative not only promotes their products but also strengthens community bonds.
Resilience: Through the years, Zadruga Dobrina has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. From engaging the first group of farmers to establishing a processing facility, they have continuously evolved, which has been crucial to their sustained success, enabling them to adapt to market changes while staying true to their core values.