Iconic Zvijezda brand is sold

(Photo: Zvijezda)

ZAGREB, 13 November 2025 – Fortenova Group and Žito Group have signed an agreement for the sale and purchase of Zvijezda plus d.o.o. and Zvijezda d.o.o. Ljubljana, through which Žito Group will acquire 100% ownership of both companies.

The signing marks the conclusion of acquisition negotiations, with the transaction set to be finalised following approval from Croatia’s Competition Agency (AZTN), Fortenova Group said in a statement.

By taking over Zvijezda, a company with more than a century of tradition in food production, Žito Group will add three major brands to its portfolio, Zvijezda, Margo, and Omegol.

Zvijezda’s sunflower oil has long been the leading brand in Croatia and enjoys strong market shares across the region.

According to independent market research, Zvijezda is a leader in all key product categories and consistently ranks at the top of Croatia’s brand strength lists.

Its flagship products, Zvijezda oil and Zvijezda mayonnaise, regularly occupy the first and second spots among the country’s ten strongest brands.

This success is attributed to Zvijezda’s quality, tradition, innovation, and originality.

In 2024, Zvijezda produced 84,000 tonnes of finished goods and generated €155 million in revenue, employing over 440 people.

Fortenova Group CEO Fabris Peruško said the sale continues the company’s process of divesting from agricultural production businesses.

“As with all our previous divestments, our focus has been on finding partners who can offer not only a fair price but also ensure continued development, job security, and preservation of Zvijezda’s tradition and market position,” Peruško said.

“We believe Žito Group, with its domestic supply base and technological excellence, provides the most natural environment for Zvijezda to continue growing. This transaction strengthens both companies financially and strategically.”

Žito Group’s industrial operations are vertically integrated, spanning crop and livestock production, meat processing (Mesna industrija DOBRO), oil production (Tvornica ulja Čepin), animal feed (Vitalka), seed processing, and renewable energy production.

The company is also Croatia’s largest egg producer, second-largest cultivator of agricultural land, and second-largest pig producer.

Žito Group CEO Marko Pipunić said the acquisition enhances the company’s competitiveness in the regional food industry.

“This transaction strengthens our position in the regional market, broadening our product range and production capacity,” Pipunić said.

“We believe the synergy between Žito’s existing facilities and Zvijezda will drive greater efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. We thank Fortenova Group for their trust and everyone involved in making this deal possible.”

He added that with Zvijezda, Žito gains new momentum for growth and brand development.

“Žito Group has always been focused on growth and innovation. With Zvijezda, we are gaining new strength to take another step forward in production and market presence, creating long-term value for employees, shareholders, and the community,” Pipunić concluded.