Žito Group acquires majority stake in rival pork processor MI Ravlić

CROATIA – Croatian agribusiness Žito Group has taken a controlling interest in meat processing company MI Ravlić, one of the leading pork producers in the country.

The move signals further consolidation in Croatia’s meat sector, particularly in the Slavonia region, where both companies are based.

Žito has not disclosed the percentage acquired or the value of the deal in US dollars (US$), though it referred to the transaction as a strategic partnership aimed at expanding pig farming and processing.

The deal is subject to approval from Croatia’s competition watchdog before it can be finalised.

MI Ravlić, which supplies several domestic retail chains, also operates 30 butcher shops across the country.

According to Žito, pig farming is the core of its agricultural business, and the group is currently the second-largest pork producer in Croatia.

Žito runs ten farms with a combined annual fattening capacity of around 175,000 pigs, and the company plans to increase that figure by 90,000 with the integration of MI Ravlić.

This expansion is set to strengthen the production scale of Žito’s Dobro pork brand, which is distributed locally.

Žito board member Mato Božić, who oversees agricultural operations, said that the acquisition aligns with the company’s plans to grow its breeding and processing capacity.

He added that merging with MI Ravlić would open opportunities to enhance both production and distribution channels.

Finance board member Jozo Ljubičić said the group expects to invest significantly in MI Ravlić’s facilities to improve plant efficiency and expand output.

He also indicated that the development would support job creation and provide long-term employment stability at MI Ravlić.

Despite the ownership change, MI Ravlić will continue operating under its current name and branding.

Founded in 1960 as a local butcher’s shop, MI Ravlić later evolved into a processing business, opening its first slaughterhouse in Petrijevci during the 1990s.

A processing plant followed in 2000, with a newer slaughter facility added in 2008 to meet growing demand.

Company president Mario Ravlić said the deal marks a new chapter for the business, combining its legacy with Žito’s resources.

He added that the partnership would accelerate the company’s growth while maintaining the family-run company’s six-decade heritage.

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