How do you plan to achieve growth and development for the company Perutnina Ptuj - Pipo Čakovec in 2024? What specific strategies and projects will be crucial in achieving these goals?

Perutnina Ptuj - Pipo Čakovec, as part of the Perutnina Ptuj Group, has ambitious plans for growth and development in 2024. Here are several key strategies and projects that will contribute to our growth:

Increasing capacity: We plan to invest around 20 million euros in building 2 new modern farms in Croatia, one of which we have already begun. Additionally, we will gradually increase the number of farmers (cooperators) we work with. Around fifty cooperators, with whom we continuously improve living conditions in Pipo Čakovec facilities, provide feed mixtures that do not contain animal proteins and artificial additives. Animal feed is a completely natural product consisting of various grains: corn, wheat, soy as a protein component, fats as an energy source, and a mineral-vitamin mixture, supporting successful animal growth and welfare. Together with our cooperators, we ensure that only the finest chicken meat reaches our consumers' tables.

Investing in our strongest brands: Međimursko Pile and Poli. Our Međimursko Pile brand is growing significantly in the Croatian market. We recently shot a new TV commercial featuring a well-known figure, Marijana Batinić. We will continue to be active on social media, sharing excellent recipes with our followers, collaborating with nutritionists, and educating Croatians about the importance of healthy eating. As for Poli, next year marks its 50th anniversary, and we are preparing many gifts for our consumers and buyers, along with numerous socially beneficial activities and other surprises.

Maintaining the highest quality standards of our products remains paramount. This involves monitoring the entire production chain, from raw materials to consumers. We will also focus on effectively managing growth to maintain stability and competitiveness in the market.

Perutnina Ptuj - Pipo Čakovec has the opportunity to make significant progress in 2024 and further strengthen its presence in the market, a result of business improvement across all sectors over the past few years.

How do you plan to ensure the stability and sustainability of the business in an increasingly dynamic and challenging economic environment?

The greatest challenges in the meat industry and production, in general, involve delivering high-quality and safe products to end consumers and ensuring the sustainability of production. In addition to internal factors, there are numerous external ones, such as climate change, pandemics, or regulatory constraints. However, the most crucial aspect, as in any other industry, is to be adaptable, agile, and quick to react to changes to achieve the high standards and results we set for ourselves at PP PIPO.

How do you plan to maintain the highest quality standards in production, for which you are recognized in the market in 2024? Are there planned innovations or improvements in production processes to ensure consistent high product quality?

We continuously improve business processes and standards in our company, and we are already at an impressive level, as evidenced by our implementation of SAP. However, the most important aspect for us is Our Međimursko Pile, which holds several certificates we are proud of. These include 'antibiotic-free', a label with which we marked our chicken as the first in the industry two years ago. Additionally, 'Croatian Farm Meat' and 'Proven Quality' are certifications we hold. Food quality certifications are essential as they confirm that specific products or processes in the production chain comply with accepted food safety standards. They help improve product quality and demonstrate our expertise and credibility in a complex production chain. Moreover, food quality certifications are useful for consumers as they aid in recognizing the quality of the products they purchase. Food quality is important for most customers and consumers in Croatia, and people pay attention to quality when choosing groceries. Chicken is a popular choice for most Croatian consumers. People favor chicken for various reasons—it's a source of protein and nutrients and contains little fat. We assure our buyers and consumers that our chicken is of top Croatian quality.

How does the company approach sustainable development in 2024? Are you planning to implement new practices or technologies that support environmental preservation and social responsibility?

Sustainability in business is becoming increasingly important in today's world. To ensure stability and long-term success, we will ensure several aspects of our business:

Management will ensure that the company's strategy aligns with sustainable practices. This includes considering environmental impact, societal impact, and governance.

We will identify key challenges and set sustainable goals related to reducing waste generated by our organization, increasing our impact, and working with the local community.

Employee involvement: We encourage our employees to think and act ecologically. Initiatives such as reducing energy consumption and waste management can significantly contribute to sustainability.

Measuring progress: We regularly monitor progress toward sustainable goals.

Integrating sustainability into business requires dedication and patience, but in the long run, it undoubtedly benefits both the company and society.

What business trends do you anticipate next year as crucial in the business sector? What strategies are you implementing to remain competitive and keep pace with dynamic changes in consumer demand and behavior?

Regarding 2024, we believe that the decline in the inflation rate on one side and the increase in wages on the other will positively impact the economy and consumption growth. However, there are still many global risks that will affect predictions and influence our market. Locally, one of the most significant risks is the workforce, which continues to be a growing challenge year after year, despite the constant wage increases, which I believe will continue to pose a significant risk. In the business sector, I predict a heightened focus on competitive advantages and adapting to consumer trends next year, continuing to focus on product quality and value, which consumers increasingly appreciate. Retaining customers rather than solely attracting new ones, working on loyalty, which our company will continuously strive for. Sustainable competitive advantage comes from a long-term partnership relationship with customers. Understanding consumer purchasing decisions, i.e., understanding changes in consumer purchasing decisions, is crucial for success in a dynamic business environment. We must follow trends and adapt to consumer and customer behavior. Price and quality: Today, consumers seek high quality and choice at an affordable price. Stable prices and quality products are key to meeting their needs. Alongside these strategies, we are monitoring legislative changes and trends in consumer behavior to remain competitive and successful in the market.