Following the completion of the ownership change, Kanfanar-based Istragrafika is opening a new chapter with Slovenia’s Incom Group, marked by modernization, the development of new packaging solutions, and a stronger push into the European market. We spoke with Mr. Marko Despot, Managing Director of Istragrafika, and Mr. Boštjan Jeroncic, Director of Incom, about what this acquisition brings to the company, its employees, and customers, as well as what this new development phase will look like.
After several changes of ownership over the past decade or so, Istragrafika is once again entering a new era. Mr. Despot, how is this change different from previous ones, and how did the partnership with Incom come about?
This ownership change is different from all previous ones because we initiated it ourselves. Namely, we assessed that our previous environment no longer enabled growth and endangered the company’s survival. So, we actively sought alternative solutions and proposed to the former owners to find a strategic partner ready to invest in further development. We are grateful to the people at GPI who supported that idea, and Incom very quickly emerged as a potential solution.
Incom had been a business partner and customer of ours for years, so we knew we fit perfectly into their vision and business philosophy. We recognized them as a partner who shares our core values and possesses both the capacity and willingness for further investment.
Ultimately, I can say that I am personally very proud of this entire project. It is not just about a successfully executed change of ownership; it is about securing long-term stability for our employees, creating space for new investments, and establishing the preconditions for better working conditions. Likewise, I am proud that we found a partner who believes in the development of manufacturing and industry in this region.
What was crucial in choosing a new owner, and how did the employees react?
We were looking for a partner with similar business values, one that puts people, development, and the well-being of the local community at the forefront. The employees recognized this and reacted very positively. Proof that these values are not merely declarative was one of the new owner’s first moves: an average salary increase of 18 % for the workers. Immediately following that, the decision for the first major investment was approved.
The company will continue operating under the name Istragrafika. Why did you decide to return to the original name?
Istragrafika is much more than a company name. It is a name that built its reputation over decades and became part of the company’s identity. Even though we changed owners and names over the years, customers, suppliers, and our own employees continued to simply call us Istragrafika.
Honestly, during previous name changes, we sometimes felt as though a piece of our identity had been taken away. That is why this is not just an administrative or marketing decision, but a return to our roots. Employees and the market welcomed it very positively, many even emotionally. We are bringing back a name that marked the company’s history while simultaneously connecting it with new investments, fresh energy, and a new growth phase. In a way, we are restoring an identity that never really left.
Mr. Jeroncic, Incom is less familiar to parts of the printing industry. Could you introduce the company to us?
Incom was founded in 1991 by Andrej Slokar with a vision to create a leading ice cream manufacturer. Today, Incom is no longer just a single company, but an interconnected system of activities, teams, and expertise spanning ice cream production, chocolate, toppings, equipment development, mechanical engineering, and raw material production. This year, we also expanded into the packaging sector.
Today, we export from Ajdovscina to more than 40 countries and produce over 3.2 million pieces of ice cream daily. Following the acquisition of Istragrafika, we employ more than a thousand people.
By connecting specialized companies, the Incom Group creates a comprehensive business ecosystem that drives greater efficiency, faster development of new solutions, and higher competitiveness on the global market. Every company within the group retains its operational independence, professional identity, and specific competencies while leveraging the benefits of shared knowledge, technologies, and market opportunities.
What attracted you to Istragrafika, and how does it fit into the long-term strategy of Incom Group?
Istragrafika is one of the leading regional packaging producers with a tradition of over 70 years. The combination of a long industrial history, expert knowledge, employee experience, and geographic proximity were key reasons for our interest. Incom Group is also a large consumer of packaging, so this is not merely an entry into a new industry, but a strategic step that naturally complements our existing operations. That is why Istragrafika was not a random choice, but a logical partner.
Through this acquisition, we are entering the packaging industry for the first time and gaining new capabilities. We want to develop Istragrafika as a strong center for packaging solutions, both for companies within the group and for the broader market.
