Special anniversary on the day of records in Planica

On the day of the biggest Slovenian sports holiday, we talked to Marta Bulhak, the chief director of Pivovarna Laško Union, who is constantly present at major sporting events as a great supporter of sports, and the competition under Ponce has a special place for them. He was also marked by the erection of a high younger, who pointed to an important anniversary and at the same time symbolically communicated the connectivity that brewing in Slovenia has with sporting success.

Two hundred years of achievement and integration with community

2025 is exceptional for Laško Union Brewery, as they celebrate the anniversary: ​​200 years from the beginnings of the brewing industry in Laško and thus the Laško brand. This year’s anniversary is actually a sequel to last year, when they celebrated 160 years of Union Brewery in Ljubljana.

The company undoubtedly writes one of the most successful and long -lasting stories to Slovenia. Their integration with the local community is very committed and knit at all levels. In the years, there are also active supporters of sports at all levels and in different industries. For years, they have also been strongly linked to ski jumps and Planica – a sports holiday, which is especially at heart to Slovenes.

We also cheered there this year, and at close up, we felt joy, enthusiasm, emotions and team spirit that combines athletes and their fans. And it is in this spirit that brewers also work, who, with similar passion, build and develop a brand that has become synonymous with quality in Slovenia.

And in the day of the new records, we also invited Marta Bulhak before the microphone, the first lady of Pivovarna Laško Union, who shared her feelings in Planica, and especially at such an important anniversary, especially with the vision of the company, which will continue to stand for the local community, support it and share the same values ​​with it.

How did Pivovarna Laško grow together with the community?

We have always built our breweries within the community. Our employees are part of the community and we believe that we are an essential part. We want the community to feel us, and we also want to feel belonging to this community. For 200 years, Laško Union Brewery has been part of the local community, where we help and contribute to various activities – either cultural, sports or social. We participate in many areas, and we hope that this contribution is appreciated and that we create a better world together.

Young at the 200th anniversary. Photo: Blaž Samec

You put an imposing younger in Planica. How does a symbol of young people reflect the values ​​and connection of the community?

Young is something new to me as a stranger – for the first time I met this tradition. I think it is extremely beautiful as it means a return to heritage. The younger one symbolizes these roots and rooting in tradition, while at the same time its height represents the growth, the view of the future and the ambitions. This is a wonderful Slovenian tradition that we want to celebrate and respect-with our younger and 200th anniversary we symbolize the strong anchorage in the rich Slovenian heritage, and at the same time the courage to climb the future and grow.

How is this story intertwined with sports?

Laško Union Brewery has been one of the biggest supporters of sports for many years. Looking at younger – this tradition is not only a symbol, but also a demonstration of cooperation, dedication and passion. And these values ​​are the foundation of sports. The same values ​​carried by sports are shared by us, brewers. All this connects us – a common passion and a belief in the importance of these values.

Beer brings people together like sports. How do you see this link?

I think it is a very strong connection as it is based on values. Both sports and beer bring pleasure, but it’s even more than that. Looking at Planica, for example – Planica is not just a sporting event. This is a moment when the whole nation unites in pride and unity and celebrates our athletes who devote their lives to sports.

« Laško Union Brewery has been part of the local community for 200 years. » Photo: Blaž Samec

What is the vision of Laško Union Brewery for the future?

We think we are an important part of society. We have been in Slovenia for 200 years, we feel this heritage and passion, so we want to continue to support Slovenian sport. As alcohol producers, we are also aware of our responsibility – along with other brewers, we encourage responsible drinking and education about how to consume alcohol moderate and responsible. We also want to have a positive impact on local communities – to work with them and to deal with those that are important to them. Most of all, we want Slovenian consumers to continue to love us, as we have exceptional brands that are very close to Slovenian hearts.

How important is this partnership in the field of sports?

As one of the greatest sponsors of sports, we participate in many important and outstanding partnerships. We have a long and strong cooperation with the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, with which we share an Olympic passion. We also work closely with local and national sports federations. To mention just a few examples – we are powerful supporters of the Slovenian Ski Association, we support the Football Association of Slovenia, both the men’s and the women’s national team, as well as the Handball Federation of Slovenia and local clubs such as RK Celje. We are also active in smaller local clubs, where we actively support and promote a healthy lifestyle, moderation and values ​​that sports bring.

What is the economic and social impact of the brewing industry?

In Slovenia, we produce approximately two million hectoliters of beer annually and participate in several levels. Of course, we are an important employer, but our influence goes much longer. We indirectly influence many sectors – logistics, catering and retail. We also work hard with sports with sports partnerships and other initiatives. One of the important industries we support is hops. Slovenia is one of the most important hops in the world and we use this hops for our brand Laško. We also support local agriculture and contribute to environmental protection.

How will you work with hopers in the future?

We are committed to close cooperation with Slovenian hopers. We use three types of locally produced hops for the Laško brand. I am convinced that we have many opportunities for the further development of this strong partnership and that we can further upgrade it.

Photo: Mediaspeed

How does the culture of moderate consumption of beer contribute to social life?

As an alcohol producer, we have the responsibility to educate consumers about moderation when drinking. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy beer in a positive way, without abuse. I think we have done a great job in Slovenia in this area – we have developed a segment of non -alcoholic beer and we always provide a choice for each consumer. This is not only important for safe driving – which was first the biggest reason for developing this segment – but also for the responsible consumption of alcohol. The key is to drink moderate, so that we can enjoy the company of friends and family for a long time, and that we have a positive experience.

How are you associated with sports yourself? Do you have a favorite athlete or team?

I actually love a lot of sports. I remember watching ski jumps with my grandmother – so long ago. I also love biathlon, Nordic skiing and alpine skiing. Slovenia is really amazing in sports – you are a country with two million inhabitants, but you have an incredible number of top athletes. This really makes it difficult to choose who to support!

Client of advertising content is Pivovarna Laško Union