HOW A RETURN FROM AUSTRIA BECAME A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS STORY IN KRAJINA

While many young people are leaving for opportunities abroad, the story of Anđelo Deni Janjetović from Donja Piskavica shows that a successful business can also be built in Republika Srpska - with knowledge, hard work, and a good idea.

PHOTO: Instagram: Upoznaj Krajinu

PHOTO: Instagram: Upoznaj Krajinu

After spending years in Austria working in the hospitality industry, Janjetović decided to return home and continue his family’s hazelnut production story.

From Austria Back to the Family Estate

After completing his studies in tourism, Anđelo Janjetović worked as a deputy manager in a large restaurant in Austria. However, as he explains, the decision to return was simple.

“One day I called my father and said – I’m coming home,” Janjetović recalls. Today, he is actively developing the family business in the village of Donja Piskavica near Banja Luka.

Hazelnut Plantations on 10 Hectares

The Janjetović family began production back in 2009. Today, their plantations span four locations, covering a total of around 10 hectares.

Through their brand “Zlatni Lješnik” (Golden Hazelnut), they produce:

• roasted and flavored hazelnuts
• cold-pressed hazelnut oil
• other products made from domestic raw materials

Their products are distributed across Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Added Value: From Raw Material to Final Product

Janjetović emphasizes that primary production alone is not enough for a strong market presence.

“A product needs added value,” he says, noting that this is the key direction for further development of the family business.

New Investment: Launching a Chocolate Workshop

The next step is launching a small chocolate workshop, where handmade chocolates and pralines will be produced using hazelnuts and dried local fruit.

This project is supported through the “My Business in the Countryside” program, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska.

The plan includes the purchase of professional equipment such as:

• chocolate melting and tempering machines
• cooling display units
• vibrating tables

Youth Return as an Opportunity for Rural Development

The Janjetović family’s story shows that the return of young people from abroad can bring new value to domestic production and rural development.

The combination of knowledge gained abroad and local resources creates opportunities for developing competitive products and strengthening the local economy.

Photos and the full story are available on the Instagram profile Upoznaj Krajinu.