The Beginning
Founded in the small town of Požega, Budimka began its journey producing canned fruit and vegetable products, as well as other food items. The total production capacity at the time ranged between 2,000 and 3,000 tons of finished goods, and Budimka slowly but steadily became a beloved choice for households across the country.
New Branches
Production expanded to include jams, marmalades, compotes, pasteurized vegetables in cans and jars (such as cucumbers, gherkins, green beans, peppers and ajvar), as well as frozen fruit.
This growth was made possible by a new facility dedicated to cooling and preserving freshness.
Around this time, Budimka established partnerships with fruit and vegetable growers in the Požega area, as well as the Zlatibor and Moravica districts.
During this period, Budimka products were also consumed by members of the military across the former Yugoslavia.
First Steps Toward Europe
The expansion of production and processing capacities for various types of food products opened the door to international markets. At that time, Budimka received an export registration number allowing distribution to the market of the European Community, the predecessor of today’s European Union.
Full Recognition
The fruit processing facility was reconstructed, a new plant for fruit concentrate production was built, and a modern juice filling line was installed. New production lines for marmalades, jams and compotes were also introduced.
The total production capacity reached around 35,000 tons of finished products.
Budimka signed contracts to produce fruit concentrates for leading European juice brands. Both the technology and the quality of local fruit varieties — such as the apple cultivars Kolačara, Košara, and Budimka (after which the company was named), as well as the German apple variety Zenga Zengana popular across the former Yugoslavia — set Budimka apart as a benchmark of quality for juices and fruit concentrates.
A Record Year
An all-time production record was achieved with 32,000 tons of fresh apples processed into fruit concentrates. That same year, the output of finished products reached 23,000 tons.
Continuing the Tradition
A new chapter for this legendary brand began under the ITN Group business system. With strong dedication to tradition and adherence to modern production standards, Budimka returned to the market, bringing back its classic marmalade and nectar flavors, along with new categories such as extra jams and 100% fruit juices and spreads.
Following the paths of its former glory, Budimka once again set out toward new achievements.
