Vetropack Straža and San Benedetto – 50 years of partnership

09.04.2025: In April 2025, Vetropack Straža celebrated 50 years of continuous cooperation with the Italian soft drink producer San Benedetto. The event brought together representatives of this long-standing partner, as well as current and former Vetropack Straža managers who have contributed to the development of the partnership over the decades.

The collaboration between the two companies began in 1975 with the signing of the first contract in Trieste for the supply of four million bottles of Aperitiv Bens 100 ml. Over the years, the partnership has evolved and adapted to market changes, while production for San Benedetto has remained an important part of Vetropack's business.

During the official programme held in Hum na Sutli on 7 April, Darko Šlogar, Managing Director of Vetropack Straža, looked back on the key milestones that have shaped the partnership over the past five decades: “Over the decades, our relationship has been shaped by trust and shared values. We especially remember the support during the Croatian war – when business became true partnership.” The event was also attended by Claude Cornaz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Vetropack Group, whose presence underlined the strategic importance of this partnership at Group level.

Supply Chain Director Tullio Versace reflected on this long-term collaboration: “The number we achieved through this partnership over the past 50 years – and we are talking about almost 3 billion bottles – is truly incredible. What made this possible, above all, is the human value behind it. That human value is important today, and it will be even more important for our shared future.“ 

As a token of appreciation for five decades of partnership, San Benedetto was presented with a symbolic gift – a glass artwork depicting a wave. The wave was chosen as a symbol of strength, resilience and constant forward movement – qualities that also define this relationship.

In the informal part of the visit, the musical duo Amarosi demonstrated that glass packaging is not only the most sustainable form of packaging, but can also become a musical instrument.

Over the course of five decades, Vetropack Straža has developed and produced a wide range of products for San Benedetto, from small bottles for aperitifs and carbonated drinks to large reusable water bottles. The range has evolved with the needs of the market and the development of the San Benedetto brand, while quality, reliability and flexibility have remained the cornerstones of the collaboration.

Another important milestone was reached in 2013, when the production of the 2 billionth bottle for San Benedetto was officially celebrated, a moment that symbolically reaffirmed the stability and strength of the partnership.

Looking ahead, both companies are preparing for the future with renewed energy. As Darko Šlogar noted in his closing words: “Teams are being rejuvenated in both your company and ours, and I believe this new generation will bring a fresh momentum. Let us continue to build this exceptional relationship based on trust and shared goals – because together, we can achieve even more.”

Long-term relationships and a shared vision are the foundation of business stability. Vetropack Straža is proud to continue this partnership and looks forward to the chapters to come.