On October 17, 2023, at 3:00 PM in Banski Dvor in Banja Luka, a Ceremonial Academy was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the company Vitaminka.
With the presence of around 300 guests—including public figures, associates, business partners, and media representatives—a rich cultural and entertainment program was organized.
The program began with the composition "Zemljo moja" performed by opera artists Ljubica Vraneš and Dragoljub Bajić, after which the host, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Todor Panić, addressed the audience.
"This is a great day for all of us. A lot of work has been done, and I must take this opportunity to thank my employees, associates, and all partners for their great support over all these years, especially our loyal consumers. Vitaminka has gone through difficult periods over the past decades. In the last four years, we have managed to make strawberries and ajvar fragrant again through our work, and I am convinced that these strawberries and ajvar will once again be enjoyed in various destinations across Europe. We have received great responses, and we are confident that this is the right path… We have completed many projects, and we will present you with excellent products,” stated Mr. Panić.
Tanja Šušić, Director of Production at Vitaminka, reminded the audience of the company's responsible approach to every piece of fruit and vegetable, as well as every jar and household they reach.
"Producing a Vitaminka juice, jam, or ajvar is not easy. To achieve a high-quality, tasty, and preservative-free product, much more time is needed, as the pasteurization process is long and requires patience. Using preservatives would allow for a much higher number of jars, but not ours—Vitaminka’s—because we chose a different, more challenging path. By following only this path, I can proudly say that my children consume all our products, as their mother firmly stands behind the quality of Vitaminka products, along with the support team from the Maintenance sector, which ensures uninterrupted production and machine functionality, and the Quality Control sector, which oversees the entire process from receiving the fruits and vegetables to the final product,” emphasized Tanja Šušić.
The rich 90-minute program of the Ceremonial Academy was further enhanced by a congratulatory message from the President of the Republic of Srpska, Mr. Milorad Dodik, who expressed his pride in Vitaminka’s work and products. In addition to Vitaminka’s representatives, speeches were also given by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Savo Minić, the Mayor of Banja Luka, Mr. Stanivuković, and the President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Banja Luka, Mr. Goran Račić.
"Someone said these are Vitaminka’s days—no, these are Vitaminka’s years. This is something that we in the Ministry recognize, and we see Vitaminka as an ambassador of agriculture from the Republic of Srpska to the entire world. It directly contributes to creating new value and, through the economic and other infrastructure of the Republic of Srpska, serves as proof of the quality of products we have here."
The unveiling of Vitaminka’s new visual identity and packaging was met with great enthusiasm from the guests, followed by an interview with Mr. Saša Vasić, the creative mind behind the company’s complete design and new identity. A loud round of applause accompanied the premiere screening of Vitaminka’s new corporate film “Like Before”.
During the Ceremonial Academy, a special interview was held with former Vitaminka director, Professor Goran Popović, who led the company from 1987 to 1998. He emphasized that despite challenging business conditions, Vitaminka has managed to maintain its operational, financial, technical, and, most importantly, market vitality to this day.
The greatest value of Vitaminka is its people. The company’s owner, Mr. Todor Panić, presented special awards for outstanding achievements and collaboration with employees, partners, and associates. Vitaminka’s Gold Awards for 2023 were presented to:
- JZU Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Srpska for its contribution to maintaining product quality and safety
- Agro Produkt SRB d.o.o., Gospođinci, Žabalj for reliably supplying high-quality vegetables
- Florakom d.o.o., Konjuh, Kruševac for reliably supplying high-quality vegetables
- Agricultural producer Radojica Vidović, Srbac for reliably supplying high-quality vegetables
- Voli Trade d.o.o., Podgorica for long-term cooperation and active contributions in sales
- Bingo d.o.o., Tuzla for long-term cooperation and active contributions in sales
- Tropic d.o.o., Banja Luka for long-term cooperation and active contributions in sales
- Vlastimir Hršum for selfless contributions to the development and improvement of production processes
- Ranko Sajić for exceptional dedication and contributions to production
- Vinka Knežević for outstanding contributions in accounting and finance
A particularly emotional moment came with an interview featuring the Raunig family—three generations who have worked at Vitaminka. The program concluded with a performance by the renowned accordion orchestra “Aleksa Šantić” from Ugljevik.
The Ceremonial Academy at Banski Dvor symbolically marks the beginning of the five-day event "Vitaminka Days" in Gospodska Street, a gift from the company to its city, under the slogan: "Vitaminka - Joy for All Generations."
From October 18 to 22 (from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM), "Vitaminka Days" will feature a large Vitaminka stand in Gospodska Street, along with various installations and activities for all generations of loyal consumers. There will be rich tastings of sweet and savory products, entertainment for children, competitions and prize games, a DJ, and other attractions that will make Banja Luka and its residents live in the spirit of Vitaminka for five days.
A special highlight for visitors in Gospodska Street will be the 10,075 gifts that will be distributed during "Vitaminka Days", symbolically thanking everyone who was born, grew up, and matured with this company over the past 75 years.
Welcome to "Vitaminka Days"!
