In the heart of the Slovenske Gorice region, in the Stara Gora village near Sveti Jurij ob Ščavnici, stands the historic Kocbek Oil Mill—a place where the tradition of pumpkin seed oil production has been preserved and refined for generations. Operated by three generations of the Kocbek family, this historic mill has upheld and enhanced its commitment to quality for decades. Under the stewardship of Gorazd, the third-generation leader, Kocbek pumpkin seed oil has expanded its reach globally, earning recognition and appreciation from gourmets worldwide.
Kocbek Oil Mill welcomes visitors to experience the artistry of traditional pumpkin seed oil production. Guided tours of the mill offer a glimpse into age-old techniques that have remained unchanged for decades, showcasing the meticulous process behind every bottle of oil. Guests are also treated to a tasting experience, where they can savour a variety of Kocbek oils, indulging in the rich flavours that come from a blend of expertise, passion, and tradition.
Central to Kocbek’s success is their unwavering commitment to sourcing only the highest quality raw materials. The mill exclusively uses locally-grown Slovenian pumpkin seeds, hand-selected to ensure a 98% purity rate, thus guaranteeing the taste and nutritional integrity of their oils. This attention to detail extends to all their products, from their signature pumpkin seed oil to their fine line of chocolates, creating a product range that speaks to excellence and authenticity.
Kocbek Oil Mill’s impact extends beyond the local market thanks to an online platform, enabling customers worldwide to discover the authentic flavours of Slovenske Gorice. Customers can explore their selection and find inspiration through curated recipes that highlight the versatility of Kocbek’s pumpkin oils, encouraging culinary creativity and spreading the taste of Slovenia to every corner of the globe.
Kocbek Oil Mill collaborates with reliable partners like Pošta Slovenije, DHL Express, and UPS, supported by logistics solutions from Kuehne Nagel and DHL Logistics. This ensures that each product reaches its destination quickly and in perfect condition, maintaining the mill’s reputation for quality and consistency.
Sustainability lies at the heart of Kocbek Oil Mill’s philosophy. For nearly 30 years, they have led the way in eco-friendly packaging, using 99% recyclable glass bottles, alongside paper bags and cardboard packaging designed to minimize environmental impact. Their “zero waste” approach extends to every aspect of production, where even the byproducts, like pumpkin pulp, are repurposed as natural fertilizers to enrich the soil, embodying a hollistic approach to environmental care.
Their dedication to innovation and design has not gone unnoticed. Kocbek’s luxury edition pumpkin seed oil bottle, the “Luxury Black Bottle,” earned international acknowledgement by winning the Red Dot Design Award for its outstanding design and packaging. This recognition celebrates not only the bottle’s unique aesthetics and craftsmanship but also Kocbek’s ability to blend tradition with modern innovation, creating products that inspire and elevate the world of gourmet food.
Since 1929, the Kocbek family’s oil mill has blended heritage with modernity. By preserving traditional pumpkin seed oil production methods while adopting new technologies, they maintain the quality and craftsmanship that define their brand. This balance of authenticity and innovation sets them apart from competitors.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Sustainable Practices: Kocbek Oil Mill have been pioneers in sustainable packaging for nearly 30 years. Their commitment to a “zero waste” philosophy extends to their production process, where even the byproducts are being repurposed. They creatively repurpose production byproducts and use eco-conscious packaging materials, maintaining a focus on both innovation and environmental aspects.
Logistics and Distribution Network: To ensure their products are delivered efficiently and reliably to their customer base, Kocbek collaborates with major logistics providers like Pošta Slovenije, DHL Express, UPS, Kuehne Nagel, and DHL Logistics. Their strong logistics ensure products arrive perfectly, enhancing their reputation for quality and reliability.
Quality Products: Kocbek Oil Mill’s dedication to excellence starts with the meticulous selection of local raw materials, guaranteeing the highest standards in taste and nutritional value and ensuring that their products consistently meet the expectations of both consumers and culinary professionals around the globe.
Tailored Customer Experience: The Kocbek Oil Mill offers unique tasting experiences that connect customers directly to the essence of their products. Their “Kocbek Gourmet” tasting sessions and multi-sensory experiences have earned titles like the “Naše Najboljše” (Our Finest) certification, enhancing customer engagement and appreciation for craftmanship.
