Balkan Business Brief

From stagnation to sweet success: The rise of startup Ań?eL chocolat

A period of stagnation, isolation, boredom, and narrowness—the era of the coronavirus pandemic. For many ambitious entrepreneurs and large corporations, it was one of the most challenging periods, where businesses strive to remain profitable and survive. However, the period of the corona crisis cannot solely be described with negative terms, as it has also brought forth new opportunities and the birth of innovative ideas. In this period, the startup story of Ań?eL chocolate began, initiated by the young entrepreneur? An?ela Vujo?evi? ?from Montenegro.

In an attempt to transcend the stagnation, limitations, and monotony of everyday life, the young entrepreneur decided to turn the crisis into an opportunity and start her own business. The fact that the brand Ań?eL chocolate has thrived for three years, experiencing continuous growth, expanding its range of products, and increasing its sales locations, is a clear testament to An?ela Vujo?evi?'s timely and effective decision to embark on this venture during a challenging period. Ań?eL chocolat represents a youthful brand in the Montenegrin production scene, offering handmade chocolate candies, pralines, chocolate bars, spreads, and creams. The production process relies on carefully selected raw materials and the finest Belgian chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa beans. The brand's commitment to using top-quality ingredients is paramount, as they strive to become synonymous with excellence. Their rich assortment encompasses various flavors, such as vanilla, coffee, hazelnut, ginger, almond, and pistachio, elegantly packaged to meet even the most discerning chocolate lovers' expectations. Additionally, all products are made according to the HACCP system, which ensures identification, evaluation, and control of hazards important for food safety. Furthermore, it is worth noting that all their products are completely gluten-free.

The?Ań?eL?company aims to contribute to Montenegro's tourist offerings and promotion, with their products being featured in renowned hotels and duty-free shops. In their endeavor to provide customers, hotels, and businesses with a personalized touch, the company offers the option of special packaging branding. The young entrepreneur mentioned that the most significant challenge lies in the process of meticulously creating each product, ensuring it meets multiple high criteria to achieve a harmonious?result. We can attest to the quality of Angela's creations—the delicacy of the chocolates, the elegance of the packaging, and the richness of the flavors. If you find yourself in Montenegro and desire to sample local products or offer an ideal gift to a loved one, the products from Ań?eL chocolat are a perfect choice.

Voli investing in renewable energy for sustainable growth

Sustainability and investment in renewable energy sources in Montenegro are increasingly being recognized as significant factors, not only in environmental preservation but also in long-term company growth. It is particularly commendable that large domestic companies are acknowledging this necessity and serving as examples to smaller business entities. VOLI , the largest retail chain in Montenegro, has signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EBRD for a 4-million-euro loan, which will be invested in solar energy sources. In addition to the loan-based funds, a portion of the funds will be donated by the Austrian DRIVE fund. The company intends to utilize the total funds for purchasing and installing solar panels with a capacity of up to 4 MW, as well as charging stations for electric vehicles in its facilities and logistics centers. The company highlights that this utilization of renewable energy options will act as a preventive measure against potential price instability in the energy market. Simultaneously, the company believes that its customers will recognize its commitment to true values, thereby strengthening its position in the market. Green energy and energy security have become priorities in today's society. Do you also recognize the importance of renewable energy sources and environmental protection, and would you consider investing in them for your company?

Why domestic insurers in Serbia cannot insure large projects?

Domestic insurers in Serbia consistently struggle to independently or collaboratively insure large-scale investment projects, such as the Belgrade metro or the National stadium, resulting in significant premiums being continually directed towards the foreign market. The primary obstacle to insuring these crucial infrastructure projects is the insufficient financial capacity to cover the associated risks. To address this, Serbian insurance companies rely on the support of international reinsurance companies to cover major risks, albeit at significantly higher insurance prices and increased premium outflows. The association of multiple domestic insurers is often hindered due to concerns of potential conflicts with competition protection regulations. Additionally, insurance companies in Serbia highlight that the lack of well-defined project details further complicates the process of?entering into?this type of business venture.