From Croatia to America – Darna marking 100 years of liqueur craftsmanship
- by croatiaweek
- in Business
Darna is set to mark 100 years of liqueur craftsmanship (Photo: Darna)
Darna Liquor Factory, located in the picturesque Croatian coastal town of Rovinj is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary of continuous operation next year.
From its humble beginnings in 1925 to its global presence today, Darna has remained a beacon of excellence in the world of liqueurs.
Founded on an original recipe and fueled by a passion for the craft, Darna has stood the test of time under the guidance of Master of Oenology Katerina Latinovic. Her son, Darko Latinovic, founded the sister company Darna International, expanding the brand’s horizons beyond the borders of Croatia.
Latinović, drawing from his managerial experience at Pepsi-Cola, ventured into the American market, laying the foundation for Darna’s international success.
The journey into the American market was not without its challenges. It demanded extensive knowledge, perseverance, and determination to carve out a niche for Darna’s products.
For over a decade, Darna’s flagship beverage, Pelinkovac, served as its ambassador, gradually introducing American consumers to a diverse range of 11 meticulously crafted liqueurs.
Today, Darna’s products grace the shelves of esteemed stores like Total Wine & More and Binny’s, as well as adorn the menus of renowned establishments such as Rose Mary in Chicago.
Among Darna’s repertoire, Pelinkovac, Amaro, Kruskovac, and Orahovac stand out as crowd favorites, with Americans increasingly incorporating the latter into their cocktail creations.
(Photo: Darna)
Moreover, the brand’s Teranino Istria, Coffee, Chocolate Liqueur, Elderflower, and Egg Liqueur have found a special place in the hearts of consumers.
Darna’s commitment to excellence has been recognized on the world stage, with prestigious awards, including WSWA – Las Vegas: Gold Medal for Amaro, CWSA – Hong Kong: Gold Medal for Pelinkovac, IWSC – London: Gold Medal for Egg Liqueur, IWSC – London: Silver Medal for Amaro, IWSC – London: Outstanding Silver for Pelinkovac, IWSC – London: Bronze Medal for Chocolate Liqueur and Coffee, BSA – San Francisco: Gold Medal for Coffee, Elderflower, and Orahovac, BSA – San Francisco: Silver Medal for Amaro, Pelinkovac, and Teranino Istria.
Beyond the shores of America, Darna has also made strides in the Italian market in recent years, further solidifying its international presence.
As Darna prepares to commemorate its 100th anniversary, the festivities will include the inauguration of a new sales space in Rovinj, the launch of a new product, and the introduction of luxury packaging.
(Photo: Darna)
In an increasingly competitive market, Darna stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation.
