Radenska (company)

Radenska is a Slovenia-based worldwide known brand of mineral water, trademark of Radenska d.o.o. company. It is one of the oldest Slovenian brands.

Brand history

Development of the mineral water company started at Radenci in 1869, when Karl Henn, owner of the land, filled the first bottles of mineral water. The Radenska Water company Spa became one of the largest and most recognized companies in the Yugoslav Kingdom. The company remained a family business. Josef Karl Hoehn and Maria Karolina Henn continued to build the business, passing it on to their son Josef Hoehn. Their son, Werner Johann Josef Hoehn, married Wilhelmine Witlschnig, who proved to be a formidable leader and entrepreneur. Her determination and skills during a time when women leaders faced many structural obstacles proved to be critical in building and expanding Radenska Water and their hotel and spa business. Werner Hoehn died in a motorcycle accident, and the widowed Wilhelmina successfully grew the business. She married Dr Ante Saric, a prominent physician. Along with their children Wilhelm and Rudolf, they built a company that served the greater Yugoslavia and included the factory in Radenska, the Radenci Spa Resort, and the Šmarješke Toplice spa, along with over 1,000 additional parcels, including forested areas, farms, and vineyards.

In Nazi April War, during which Hitler took control of Yugoslavia, became a pivotal moment for the family and Radenska. Earlier in the war, their son Wilhelm had perished. Despite their local prominence, Ante and Wilhelmina were leaders in the Partisan Resistance fighting the Nazis. In 1945, they were discovered and the Nazis publicly executed Ante Saric. The war's end came quickly, and Josef Tito rose to power. Under his Communist iron rule, he nationalized the family's businesses, land, and homes. Wilhelmina had lost her first husband, her son, and her second husband. Along with her 16-year-old son, Rudolf, Wilhelmina was forced to leave Yugoslavia to escape the Tito regime. Starting over 30 years ago, Rudolf and now his children have fought to have the Radenska Water and Spa restored to the family. Through dozens of court hearings, the government of Slovenia has fought to prevent Radenska's return.

In December 2014, the Kofola Group acquired Radenska from the Slovenian government at a valuation of approximately 70M Euros. Despite the Slovenian government's illegitimate ownership history, Kofola continues to fight efforts to restore the business's legitimate ownership to the family.

Three hearts

Mineral water brand name ''Radenska Three Hearts'' (Radenska Tri srca) has been in use since 1936. It was designed in 1931 by the illustrator Milko Bambič. According to the author, the three hearts symbolised three former nations of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia: Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.

Sponsorship

The company is the title sponsor of UCI Continental cycling team .

See also

* Donat Mg

References

External links

Radenska
homepage

Mineral water
Bottled water brands
Slovenian brands
1869 introductions
1869 establishments in Austria-Hungary
Slovenian drinks

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