As part of the state aid scheme to support the economy during the outbreak of COVID-19, the Fund of Funds of SID Bank provided a loan of 150,000 EUR for working capital to Naturalica Foods.
Naturalica Foods is best known for its brand Teta Frida, and behind the company is entrepreneur Uroš Mlakar, who laid the foundations for the company by building the first low-energy student dormitory in Slovenia. After the opening of the facility and restaurant, the company soon shifted its focus entirely to the production of natural desserts, ice cream, and chocolate under the Teta Frida brand. Today, they offer their products in their own network of chocolate cafes throughout Slovenia and over 250 other sales outlets. Teta Frida products, which have also received prestigious international awards, have started to be exported to Switzerland, Germany, and Poland this year. Despite numerous challenges, the company utilized the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity for a crucial step - relocating to new production facilities spanning nearly 3,000 m², made possible through the Fund of Funds financing. In recent years, they have also linked the chocolate business with tourism and opened a luxurious chocolate glamping village in Maribor by the Drava River.