Slovenian Ice Cream Producer Eyes China Comeback as Exports Resume

A Slovenian ice cream producer is preparing to return to the Chinese market after a pandemic-induced pause, as new import approvals clear the way for exports to resume. 

The move marks a renewed effort to strengthen economic ties between Slovenia and China, with China now seen as a key growth destination for the company.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Incom Leone had already established a presence in China, but global disruptions brought shipments to a halt. With trade channels reopening, production has resumed at the company's facility in Ajdovščina, where ice cream products are once again being prepared for export.

The manufacturer exports to 39 countries worldwide, with its brands present across Europe, the United States and other markets. The reopening of the Chinese market is expected to provide a significant boost to its international expansion strategy, as demand for imported food products continues to grow.

Beyond exports, cooperation between the company and Chinese partners is expanding. Incom Leone has increasingly turned to Chinese suppliers for ingredients, while also exploring industrial equipment from China to support its production processes.

Boštjan Jerončič, CEO of Incom Leone, said the company sees growing value in sourcing from the Chinese market. "On the other side, we are very, very focused in the last time with our Incom group to buy certain things in Chinese markets, to import different materials. But we see a lot of good things because also the Chinese productions and Chinese quality is becoming higher and higher and this is very, very important also for our company," he said.

Company executives note that improvements in production standards and quality in China have made cooperation more reliable, encouraging long-term partnerships in both supply chains and technology.

During a recent visit, China's ambassador to Slovenia Kang Yan toured the production facility, highlighting broader bilateral ties beyond trade. Kang Yan praised Slovenia's role on the international stage and its approach to global issues. 

"And we think it (Slovenia) is on the right side of history, and this shows that although this country is not big in size, it has a strategic and long-term perspective to see the international situation, which we respect very much," she said.

With production lines operating at full capacity and export shipments being prepared, the company is positioning itself for a renewed push into the Chinese market. As trade resumes, Incom Leone is aiming to build on its pre-pandemic experience and strengthen its foothold in one of the world's largest consumer markets.