EBRD and EU support Bosnian sweet producer’s digital makeover

This article is brought to you in association with EBRD.

In the small town of Ilijaš, just outside Sarajevo, the warm scent of caramel and baked biscuits emanates from a modest factory nestled among the hills. Step inside, and you’ll find not only the comforting nostalgia of childhood sweets, but also a story of resilience, tradition and digital transformation.

This is the home of Kondisa, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first caramel producer. Family-run and rooted in the community, the company is now redefining what it means to be a traditional confectioner in a modern world. With support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union, Kondisa has embraced digitalisation without sacrificing the soul of its family business.

It all started in 2008, when the Rondić family, after years in the bakery trade, decided to create something of their own. What began as a modest venture soon grew into a recognisable brand, known for its tea biscuits, salty snacks and beloved rahat lokum.

In 2013, Kondisa made a bold move, becoming the first company in the country to produce caramels. And now, in 2025, it is proving that digital innovation and tradition are not mutually exclusive.

“Digitalisation wasn’t about cold machines taking over – it was about staying competitive, efficient and sustainable, without compromising on who we are.”

“We wanted to use technology not to replace people, but to help them,” says Samir Rondić, the founder and owner of Kondisa.

That vision came to life with the aid of the EBRD’s Go Digital in Bosnia and Herzegovina initiative – a programme co-financed by the EU that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to digital processes and comply with EU standards

After obtaining a loan from Raiffeisen Bank BiH, one of the programme’s partner banks, Kondisa upgraded its caramel production line, transforming a delicate, time-consuming craft into a streamlined, precision-controlled process.

Upon successful completion of the investment project, Kondisa received an EU grant totalling 15 per cent of the loan amount, which made its investment easier.

The results of the investment have been impressive. Where batches were previously temperamental and inconsistent, the new machines, with their built-in sensors and automation, now churn out caramels with perfect texture, filling and shape, every time. The process, which once took hours with caramels being made by hand, is now finished in minutes, without sacrificing quality.

Human involvement is still key, though.

“Our team have undertaken extensive training,” Rondić says. “Automation has made tasks easier, but our employees are still the heart of the factory.”

People first, always

On the factory floor, the mood is upbeat. Many of the workers have been with Kondisa for over a decade – and some even longer.

And that spirit hasn’t changed, even with the new technology. If anything, it’s grown stronger. Employees report less physical strain, improved hygiene standards and a greater focus on quality control – all while retaining the handmade essence of the brand.

Even with the new technology, Kondisa’s traditional recipes remain untouched. The only thing that’s changed is how efficiently and sustainably those recipes are brought to life.

“Our new system allows us to plan better, cut down on waste and track emissions,” Rondić explains. “It’s not just good for business, it’s good for the planet.”

Supporting the digitalisation of Bosnian businesses

Looking ahead, Kondisa has even more ambitious plans. The firm is aiming to invest further in digital tools to help it strengthen its presence in local and regional markets.

This is exactly what the Go Digital in Bosnia and Herzegovina programme was designed for – to support the growth and competitiveness of local businesses. To date, it has helped more than 200 Bosnian companies to increase their productivity by upgrading their production processes, investing in green solutions, energy-efficient equipment, energy-efficient vehicles, and software solutions.

“SMEs play a key role in achieving digital and green transition goals, which highlights the need to scale up their investment in sustainable business practices,” explains Stela Melnic, EBRD Head of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Nevertheless, many SMEs still struggle to secure adequate funding for investment in digitalisation. This programme seeks to address those financing gaps by enhancing both digital awareness and access to finance through our network of partner financing institutions,” she adds.

Building on the success of the Bosnian programme, the initiative is now being rolled out across the rest of the Western Balkans.