National contest “Innovative enterprise of the year 2019” is recognition and award for innovative Macedonian companies that successfully launched an innovation in their work. The aim of the contest is to promote successful business models and achievements based on innovations and new technologies from Macedonian companies from all industrial sectors. Among 31 companies participating in the contest, the best companies from 3 categories were chosen as most innovative ones and received recognition for success and award of 200.000 MKD, funds provided from the City of Skopje.

In the category of most innovative middle sized company, the award belonged to VORI, for the innovation “Ready healthy meals in small jars”. The company has been on the market for more than 25 years and has received many awards and recognitions for their products.

What kind of services your company is offering?

VORI is a family company formed in 1991 that process fruits and vegetables, producing traditional and authentic products but also develops new production lines, following the world trends of heathy lifestyle. We produce ajvar, gjuvech, tavche gravche, risotto, tomato sauces, traditional vegetable salads, traditional sweets and, finally, the products from our latest production line- "Tasty and Natural". In this production line, we have 6 products, such as Quinoa Tropicana, Quinoa Mediterranean, Quinoa and Bulgur Mexicana and Quinoa and Couscous with dried tomatoes and sunflower and pumpkin seeds. These are 100% natural and healthy meals, full with vitamins and minerals available for all lovers of healthy and balanced food, at any time and place.

What makes your company recognizable and better than the competition?

VORI is the biggest ajvar producer in the world and the products of the company can be found in many markets across Europe. The demands and criteria of these markets are high and not easy to satisfy. Our country can offer quality fruits and vegetables on which we add our experience, continuous upgrade, education and dedication of the employees, investments, quality standards so we can stand out as serious partner on the market.

Your company won in the category of most innovative medium company of the year 2019. What are your impressions from the competition and the gained recognition?

We got informed about the national competition through MAP (Macedonian Association of Processors) and we decided to apply. The whole process was easy, didn’t require too much time and we were offered full information and support during the period of application. The recognition and the award brought joy and pride for the company and the employees.

What are the motives and inspiration for your innovation?

Our company produces healthy and tasty food and in order to satisfy the demands of the consumers who take care of themselves and their health, we decided on producing these line of 6 new products that are practical, easy and fast for consuming. They can be consumed separately or added in fresh salads or other meal.

What are your future plans? What next with your innovation?

We are continuing with the same pace, additional upgrades, education and investments because there is always the opportunity to improve our work and products. It is much more difficult to sell innovative products in comparison with standard products that consumers already know well. But we are a company that sees challenges as motivation, not an obstacle. We will continue to expand the sales network through new presentations and marketing activities, B2B meetings, participation in fairs etc.