Radenska, the producer of Slovenia’s iconic mineral water brand, will lose its long-standing licence to bottle and distribute PepsiCo beverages at the end of 2026, prompting concerns among employees and fueling speculation about the company’s future under Czech beverage group Kofola.
Based in the northeastern Slovenian town of Radenci, Radenska has been producing beverages for more than 200 years and remains one of the most recognizable brands in Slovenia and the wider region. The company has bottled and distributed Pepsi, 7Up and Mirinda since 1990, but the agreement with PepsiCo is set to expire at the end of the year, with no extension announced so far.
While Kofola has sought to downplay the significance of the change, Radenska’s management has acknowledged that the company is entering a challenging period. Concerns have emerged among the company’s approximately 250 employees over the possibility of layoffs and broader restructuring measures. Workers have also speculated that Kofola could transfer the PepsiCo business to other companies within its portfolio.
The development has also sparked speculation that Kofola may be preparing to sell Radenska, although no official confirmation has been provided. Reports further suggest that some production activities and beverage brands could potentially be shifted to facilities outside Slovenia, raising additional concerns among employees and local stakeholders.
