Kócbek Oil Mill: continuing a family tradition

 “My grandfather started the business in 1929, working with small farmers who traded amongst themselves,” says Gorazd Kocbek, owner of Kócbek Oil Mill. Specialising in high-quality pumpkin seed oil, Kócbek continues a tradition deeply rooted in Slovenia’s heritage. Gorazd learned the craft from his father, who, in turn, learned from his grandfather – carrying forward a 96-year-old family legacy in Stara Gora, a small town in northeastern Slovenia.

COMMITING TO TRADITION

What sets Kócbek apart is its commitment to tradition. Some parts of the production process remain unchanged since 1929: “We still use a 100-year-old mill, and the original oil press my grandfather bought,” explains Gorazd. Just as in 1929, today’s business remains deeply connected to the local community: “We work with farmers in the area, buying seeds directly from them,” he says.

While pumpkin seed oil is well-known in Stara Gora, it has yet to achieve the global recognition of olive oil. Raising awareness of its culinary and health benefits has always been one of Gorazd’s key motivations.  “I joined the family company 27 years ago and started promoting our oil in restaurants and supermarkets. I was fortunate to meet clients and chefs from outside Slovenia who liked our products, and gradually, Kócbek received international interest,” he recalls. This exposure opened up markets unfamiliar with pumpkin seed oil. “It’s not like wine, which everyone understands,” says Gorazd. “That’s why teaching customers about it – especially in person – is such a big part of what we do.” Together with his wife, Gorazd continues to educate others through Kócbek’s own recipe books. They have also expanded their product line to include sausages and a variety of boldly flavoured chocolates, incorporating ingredients such as onion, aronia, and rosemary. “The world of Kócbek chocolate is full of surprises!” he says.

EMBRACING MODERN OPPORTUNITIES

Rooted in tradition while embracing modern opportunities, Kócbek capitalises on Slovenia’s growing international appeal by selling its products in tourist hotspots. In 2018, Kócbek received an EU-guaranteed loan from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund (SEF). The loan was used to expand production and storage capacities and to renovate Kócbek's premises. The main building in Stara Gora is 172 years old, and Gorazd saw an opportunity to offer visitors a traditional experience, modernising the facilities while preserving the site’s historical charm. “When tourists visit, we want them to feel like they’ve stepped back in time to 1929,” he says. “Our goal is to keep tradition alive.”

Location: Stara Gora, Slovenian Styria

Financial Intermediary: Slovenian Enterprise Fund (SEF)

SME: Oljarna Kocbek

Sector: Food & beverage

Number of employees: 2

Financing purpose: renovation & expansion

EIF financing: COSME LGF