Kukenberger Organic Farm, a family legacy spanning four generations, has firmly rooted itself in sustainable agriculture by transitioning to organic farming practices. Recognizing the need to protect natural resources, the farm took a bold step towards a greener future under the leadership of Toni Kukenberger. At just 23, his visionary approach and dedication to innovation earned him the Innovative Young Farmer award in 2016, highlighting his clear focus on the future of organic farming.
The farm follows three core principles: exceptional product quality, the well-being of both animals and people, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable farming. This holistic approach led to their organic certification for milk and dairy products in 2015. Today, Kukenberger Organic Farm is the proud producer of Slovenia’s first and only organic hay-fed A2 milk—renowned for its superior nutritional value, digestibility, and outstanding flavour.
Beyond the raw milk, the Kukenberger Organic Farm offers a diverse range of organic dairy products, which are distributed through their own farm shop, local markets, supermarkets, and a variety of restaurants, where they cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with their customers. Their dedication to excellence has been recognized nationally and beyond, winning ten gold awards at the prestigious Dobrote slovenskih kmetij (Best Slovenian Farm Products) competition over the past four years.
At the forefront of Kukenberger’s logistics strategy are quality control and sustainability. The farm manages its product deliveries using own refrigerated vans to ensure freshness and employs reusable thermal boxes for online orders to maintain quality while minimizing waste. Their innovative use of refundable packaging with washable labels embodies their zero-waste principles and demonstrates a tangible commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
Central to Kukenberger Farm’s vision is a focus on the well-being of its employees. They believe that a motivated, well-supported team is vital to their sustainable business model. By prioritizing a positive work environment and professional growth, they aim to strengthen both the economic and social sustainability of their operations, ensuring long-term success for the farm and its community.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Sustainable Farming: Farm’s decision to embrace organic farming driven by a desire to work in harmony with nature. Their focus on sustainable practices is included in all of their operations, which led to their certification for organic milk and dairy products in 2015.
Pioneering Products: The farm’s development of Slovenia’s first and only organic hay-fed A2 milk is a significant achievement that sets them apart in the industry, showcasing the farm’s dedication to innovation and quality in dairy production.
Product Range: Beyond raw milk, the farm produces a diverse array of dairy products, which are available in either their farm shop, local markets, supermarkets, and restaurants, and help build a strong presence in both local and global markets.
Logistics Solutions: The farm’s logistics emphasise quality and sustainability. By using their own refrigerated van and reusable thermal boxes for online orders, they ensure dairy products reach customers in perfect condition while reducing environmental impact.
Refundable Packaging: At the heart of their sustainability efforts is the use of refundable packaging with washable labels, making it easy to clean and reuse containers. This approach significantly reduces waste, aligns with their zero-waste goals, and showcases their commitment to responsible environmental practices.
Innovation: The farm’s proactive approach to evolving with market demands and environmental challenges is key to their growth. Their dedication to expanding their team and continually improving their processes demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset that positions them well for future success.
Customer Engagement: The Kukenberger family places a high value on creating direct connections with their customers. By prioritizing personal interactions, they foster mutual trust, loyalty, and satisfaction, turning one-time buyers into long-term supporters, who appreciate the authenticity and quality of their products.
Company Recognition: The farm’s commitment to excellence is validated by numerous awards, including gold awards at the Dobrote slovenskih kmetij (Best Slovenian Farm Products) competition. These awards are a testament to the farm’s consistent quality and dedication to delivering the best products to its customers.