Radenska produced 28 million liters of mineral water and non-alcoholic beverages in the first four months, which is 5% more compared to the same period last year and 6% above plans.

The company, which is a part of Laško beverage group, plans to end the year with EUR 31m in revenues and EUR 2.4m in profit. This compares to revenues of just under EUR 30m last year and an operating profit of EUR 1.7m.

Hojnik said the company planned to counter the decline of flavoured waters by redesigning the Radenska brand name and offering new flavours. They also plan to launch cosmetics products later this year.

Radenska CEO expects to see operating conditions decline this year due to a planned tax on sugary drinks, water concessions and higher VAT. The tax on sugar content could in the worst case cost the company an extra EUR 1.6m to EUR 1.8m, Hojnik said.

Another aggravating factor are two denationalisation procedures running against the company. These present a problem in leveraging Radenska property that is subject to the procedures as collateral for bank loans.

Hojnik also commented on the involvement US embassy in Slovenia in the procedures. He said the embassy's involvement was a certain form of pressure, but added that no direct pressure had been felt in the company itself.

Broadcaster POP TV has reported that US Ambassador to Slovenia Joseph Mussomeli had written to officials in charge of the procedures urging them to solve the matter quickly and fairly. The letter had been sent in English, the broadcaster added.