EBRD and EU support North Macedonian ice cream company Neho

To celebrate ice cream day this year, we are taking you on a journey to the heart of Skopje, North Macedonia, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of Neho and its contributions to the world of ice cream.

Neho is a family-run enterprise that has been delighting ice cream lovers for over two decades with sweet frozen flavours. Founded in 2000 by the Salihasi family, it has grown from a trader and distributor of ice cream into a prominent producer with a reputation for quality and innovation.

The EBRD, with the support of the European Union through the Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility (WB EDIF), is delighted to provide advisory services to the second largest ice cream producer in North Macedonia in order to help it achieve its next milestones.

From humble beginnings to a flourishing enterprise

While Neho's story began with a focus on the trade and distribution of ice cream, in 2012 the company's management, driven by a vision for growth and excellence, decided to embark on ice cream production. This bold move marked the beginning of a new era for Neho, driving it forward with a commitment to creativity and quality and allowing the company to set itself apart from the competition.

Continuous investment in high technology has been a cornerstone of Neho's growth, enabling the company to develop over 80 distinct ice cream products of various shapes and flavours, which have delighted consumers both domestically and internationally.

Neho's management team is dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving their processes. In 2023, they initiated a substantial investment to expand their storage and production facilities, introducing modern production lines to increase capacity, enhance efficiency, and upgrade product quality and safety.

Meeting international standards for the export market

Neho's success extends far beyond the borders of North Macedonia. Approximately 70 per cent of its total production is exported across the region and to EU countries, while the remaining 30 per cent satisfies the sweet tooths of the local market. This international presence is a testament to Neho's adherence to high standards and its ability to meet diverse market demands.

Thus, as an export-oriented company, Neho faces stringent EU regulations and private retail standards. To strengthen their position in existing markets and penetrate new ones, Neho, with the support of the EBRD, is actively working towards compliance with the IFS (International Featured Standards), as this standard is crucial for expansion into EU retail chains and future participation in bidding on tenders for private label contracts.

The journey forward

Neho's vision is clear: to become a trusted provider of premium ice cream products in major retail chains, both in North Macedonia and across the world, through a commitment to delivering high quality that exceeds industry standards. Strategic investments along with a focus on quality and employee development positions the company well for continued growth and success.

As we celebrate ice cream day, we recognize Neho not just for its delicious products but also for its dedication to excellence and the positive impact the company has on the local and international ice cream markets. So, let's raise our ice cream cups to Neho - a shining example of what passion, innovation and a commitment to quality can achieve.

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