Nektar Natura, a leading European provider of beverages for hotels, has been named the ITM Exporter of the Year for 2024 at the conclusion of the International Trade Management (ITM) training programme.

Based in Kamnik, north of Ljubljana, Nektar Natura operates globally, reaching customers on nearly every continent.

Founded in 1993, the company now employs 125 people and generates 95% of its revenue from sales across more than 30 markets.

It was picked as the winner for excelling in objective indicators while demonstrating exceptional international business practices.

Tomaž Lah, Nektar Natura director and co-funder, hailed the significance of the award at the ITM programme conclusion ceremony in Ljubljana on 14 November, saying it was "a result of hard work, persistence, and exceptional collaboration."

"We have learned from challenges in the market and successfully overcome them. The ITM programme has been instrumental in our growth in foreign markets, enhancing the skills of our employees and equipping them with knowledge to make better decisions. The tools and insights we gained have not only improved our competitiveness but also contributed to the sustainable development of our business," Lah said.

The ITM programme participants at the award ceremony where ITM Exporter of the Year for 2024 was declared. Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Organised by SPIRIT, the national entrepreneurship and investment promotion agency, in cooperation with ITM Worldwide Foundation and Swedish Trade Council since 2006, the ITM programme supports businesses in entering and thriving in international markets.

Combining academic and practical training, the programme is aimed at staff at export departments of small and medium-sized enterprises.

SPIRIT Slovenia director Rok Capl noted the agency's role as a "one-stop shop" for export-oriented companies.

"Our extensive range of activities, services, and programmes focuses heavily on training businesses for successful entry into foreign markets. The ITM programme ... is particularly noteworthy. Participants consistently report that, in addition to gaining valuable export know-how, they build lasting business ties with lecturers, fellow participants, and international firms," Capl said.

This year 14 participants from SMEs joined the ITM programme to expand their export activities. These include Elaphe, Prokum, MDR, Angelis, SNEP, Solviks, TU-VAL, Marušič, G.O.Z.D. - BIO LES, OMID, NEST SYSTEMS, Alpod, Vovk, and Microbium.

Par Johnson, president of ITM Worldwide, praised the Slovenian participants for their knowledge and motivation, emphasising the programme's importance in developing skilled export managers in a competitive environment.

This year marks the 11th presentation of the ITM Exporter of the Year award. Previous recipients include Seltron, Geneplanet, Xlab, Metra Engineering, Strip's, Špica International, Eurotronik, Termo Shop, Dewesoft, and Adria Dom.