Profile of a 21st century entrepreneur
— 2007-03-11 —

Born into a family of merchants, Vlahovic went on to study extensively in different countries.  His father, an international trade worker who spoke several languages, served as a source of inspiration for young Stefano.  And although he started out in the family business in 1989, Vlahovic tapped into that inspiration to launch his own enterprise - Produkty Pitania - in 1993, soon becoming one of Russia’s leading meat importers.    

After the country’s economic crisis in 1998, Vlahovic turned to Kaliningrad as home base for his company’s operations, because of the region’s favorable climate as a free trade zone. That move led to tremendous growth, and before long, Produkty Pitania was producing and distributing its own line of chicken-based convenience products. 

Today, Vlahovic is quick to point out that by learning from the past he has taken his company successfully into the present, with even greater potential for the future. “Strategic thinking within the context of historic events and emerging trends is at the core of any great business.  And of course now is the right time to invest in the convenience foods sector for many reasons; but primarily because Russia’s free market economy continues to evolve in a positive direction.”  

In addition to business acumen, Vlahovic maintains that “a good reputation paves the way for success even if it keeps profits down.  We have worked hard at Produkty Pitania to build a solid name for ourselves, especially when it comes to quality, safety, and corporate responsibility.” 

A man of many interests, Vlahovic is particularly fond of literature, history, and diving.  He has one son with his current wife – a native Russian - and two sons from a previous

marriage, all of whom he hopes will follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps.  The family maintains homes in Kaliningrad, Moscow, Vlahovic’s native Croatia, and the United States.