The Story of Smrekovit
Smrekovit is a family business whose story began with Ivo Konc and spruce resin. Today, we carry on his work through our own production, product development and knowledge built on decades of practical experience.
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Smrekovit Through the Years
From Ivo Konc's first encounter with spruce resin in 1974 to today's production and product development, Smrekovit has come a long way. Here are the key milestones that have shaped our story.
1974
Ivo Konc's first encounter with spruce resin
Suffering from persistent lower back pain since childhood, Ivo Konc visits a traditional healer known as Prežla in Lesce. There, he first encounters dressings made from sticky spruce resin. The experience stays with him and, fifteen years later, plays an important role in the creation of his first ointment.
1989
The First Tins of Spruce Resin Ointment
Fifteen years after his first encounter with spruce resin, Ivo Konc injures his finger and recalls its traditional use. Working in improvised conditions outside the family garage, he prepares his first spruce resin ointment. He gives the first tins to friends, unaware that he is laying the foundations of a future family business.
1990
Spruce Resin Ointment Goes on Sale
Encouraging feedback from the first users convinces Ivo Konc to start producing spruce resin ointment in larger quantities and offering it for sale. Word spreads mainly through personal experiences and recommendations. Gradually, the ointment reaches users in different parts of the former Yugoslavia.
1996
Interview in Naša žena Magazine
In 1996, Ivo Konc is featured in Naša žena magazine in an article entitled "The Resin Never Runs Dry, and Neither Does the Work". It is one of the earliest extensive public accounts of his work, the origins of spruce resin ointment and the experiences already being shared among its users. The article remains a valuable record of Smrekovit's beginnings.
2001
Television Interview on Gorenjska TV
In 2001, Ivo Konc appears on the programme Znani neznani obrazi on Gorenjska Television (GTV). Speaking with interviewer Matevž Kleč, he discusses his life, his career as a physical education teacher and coach, and the circumstances that led to the creation of spruce resin ointment. The preserved recording offers a valuable first-hand account from Smrekovit's founder during the early years of his business.
2010
Matic Konc Takes Over the Company
In 2010, the company is taken over by the founder’s son, Matic Konc. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in which the family story continues with the next generation. While building on his father’s work, the company gradually develops further, along with its products and the recognisable Smrekovit brand. This period is also illustrated by an archival video in which Ivo Konc speaks about the handover of the company and its further development.
2017
A New Generation of Products
In the years following the handover, Matic Konc gradually expands the Smrekovit range. Spruce resin creams, capsules and oral sprays join the original spruce resin ointment. Spruce resin remains the central ingredient as new products introduce different forms and ways of using it. Smrekovit thus grows from a single traditional product into a broader family of products.
2019
BIO and VEGAN Certifications
In 2019, Smrekovit obtains BIO and VEGAN certifications for selected products. Independent certification marks an important step in verifying product composition and compliance with specific quality standards. These certifications apply to the individual certified products, rather than automatically covering the entire range.
2020
30 Years of Smrekovit – The Founder's Story
In 2020, Smrekovit marks 30 years since spruce resin ointment first went on sale. A special part of this anniversary is a video recorded beforehand, in which founder Ivo Konc shares his personal experiences with Smrekovit products, discusses their development and demonstrates his flexibility. Today, the recording preserves his voice, personality and distinctive way of telling his story.
2022
The First Smrekomat Opens
In 2022, we install the first Smrekomat – a self-service vending machine offering Smrekovit products 24 hours a day. This marks another step towards making our products more accessible and introduces a new way to shop, independent of regular shop opening hours. Discover Smrekomat.
2023
Smrekovit on Slovenian National Television
In 2023, the Slovenian national television programme Podjetno naprej presents the story of the Smrekovit family business. Matic Konc discusses continuing his father's work, developing new products and the values behind the company. Founder Ivo Konc also contributes to the programme, recalling the early years and the handover to the next generation.
2024
One of Ivo Konc's Last Interviews
In December 2024, Glas občine Naklo publishes an interview entitled Poslanstvo Iva Konca s Podrebre. Ivo reflects on his life, the beginnings of spruce resin ointment, his work with athletes and the handover of the company to his son Matic. He also discusses family, faith and his relationship with nature. The interview is particularly valuable today as one of his last public accounts.
Smrekovit Today – Tradition, Knowledge and Development
Today, Smrekovit is run by the second generation of the Konc family. We still collect spruce resin ourselves in Slovenian forests, while developing and manufacturing our products in our own production facilities. What began with a single spruce resin ointment has grown into a wider range of ointments, creams, capsules, sprays and dressings. Alongside new products and a modernised appearance, we remain committed to the knowledge, experience and approach that shaped our beginnings.
Matic Konc – From Resin to Finished Product
Smrekovit is now run by Matic Konc, son of its founder, Ivo Konc. Trained in biomedical laboratory science and physical education, he has combined his father's practical knowledge with a laboratory-based approach, the development of new formulations and modernised production processes.
Our work begins in the forest. We collect spruce resin ourselves without cutting into the trees, gathering resin that the spruces have already released naturally. This gives us direct knowledge of the origin of our key raw material. Resin preparation, product development and manufacturing follow, with specialist external partners involved in certain production processes.
From Resin to Product – A Documentary Film
How are Smrekovit products made? This documentary takes you from collecting spruce resin in Slovenian forests to processing the resin and producing finished products. Discover the people, processes and work behind Smrekovit.
The People Behind Smrekovit
Behind Smrekovit are people whose knowledge, work and experience have helped shape its story over the decades. Meet some of them.
Matic Konc
Company Director and Product Developer
He has continued his father's work since 2010. He oversees product development, production and the further development of Smrekovit, while also taking a direct part in collecting and preparing spruce resin.
Ivo Konc
Founder of Smrekovit (1948–2025)
In 1989, he made the first jars of spruce resin ointment, laying the foundations of today's company. Alongside product development, he devoted much of his life to manual therapy. Over the decades, many people sought his help, including elite athletes. His ingenuity, perseverance and desire to help others shaped both Smrekovit and his therapeutic work.
Anton Lorenzutti
Long-standing Spruce Resin Collection Partner
One of Smrekovit's earliest external collaborators. Through years of fieldwork, his knowledge of spruce resin and his experience collecting it, he has made an important contribution to the story behind our products.
Roman Perko
Continuing Ivo Konc's Therapeutic Work
Therapeutic work was also an important part of Ivo Konc's life. Ivo held Roman Perko in high regard, and Roman now independently continues this aspect of his work. We introduce him because of his connection to Ivo's life story and out of respect for his legacy.
Certificates and Internal Controls
Certain properties and standards of selected Smrekovit products are verified through independent certification. We also provide our declaration on internal food safety controls. Each certificate applies only to the products specified in the relevant document.
Organic Certificate
This certificate confirms compliance with organic certification requirements for selected Smrekovit products. The certified products are specified in the document.
VEGAN Certificate
This certificate confirms that the products it covers contain no ingredients of animal origin. It does not automatically apply to the entire Smrekovit product range.
Natural Cosmetics with Organic Ingredients
This certificate confirms that selected cosmetic products meet the requirements for natural cosmetics with organic ingredients. The exact scope of certification is specified in the document.
HACCP – Internal Controls
We apply internal food safety controls based on HACCP principles. The published document is the company's declaration of its internal system, not an independent certificate.
People Who Have Known Us for Years
Over the decades, people outside our company have also been part of Smrekovit's story. Some have worked with us since the early years, while others have known our products through personal experience over many years. Hear their memories and perspectives.
Meta Palčič
Long-standing Retail Partner
The founder of the Meta shop in Radovljica has been involved with Smrekovit since its early years. In the programme Podjetno naprej, she spoke about their long-standing cooperation and her perspective on our company.
Matjaž Zupan
Former Ski Jumper and Coach
An Olympic team silver medallist in ski jumping and long-time coach, Matjaž Zupan has known Smrekovit products for decades. In the programme Podjetno naprej, he shared his perspective and personal experiences.
Smrekovit in the Media
Over the decades, Smrekovit's story has been covered by newspapers, magazines, television and online media. We have collected interviews, features, television conversations and specialist contributions documenting our beginnings, product development and the people behind our work. Many entries also include full transcripts and original publications or videos.
One of the earliest extensive media features about Smrekovit. Ivo Konc reflects on his life, the origins of spruce resin ointment and his approach to work.
Naša žena – Interview with Ivo Konc (1996)
In the programme Znani neznani obrazi, Ivo Konc talks about his life, his work as a physical education teacher and the beginnings of spruce resin ointment.
Gorenjska TV – Interview with Ivo Konc (2001)
In an interview with Aleteia, Matic Konc reflects on balancing entrepreneurship, family life and personal values.
Balancing Business and Family – Aleteia (2018)
At a seminar on non-wood forest products, Matic Konc presents the traditional use of spruce resin and demonstrates how resin ointment and chewing gum were prepared.
Slovenian Forestry Institute – Resin Workshop (2019)
A feature in Pomagaj si sam (Zarja Jana) tells the story of Ivo and Matic Konc, the development of Smrekovit and personal experiences with spruce resin.
The Remarkable Spruce Resin – Pomagaj si sam (2020)
In this television interview, Matic Konc discusses spruce resin, the origins of the family business and the development of Smrekovit products.
Ljubljana TV – Interview with Matic Konc (2020)
In an interview with Demokracija, Matic Konc discusses taking over his father's business, product development, sustainability and his views on entrepreneurship.
Worrying Solves Nothing – Demokracija (2021)
In this interview with Domovina, Matic Konc discusses the family business, his interest in research on spruce resin and his approach to entrepreneurship.
Conifer Resin and Entrepreneurship – Domovina (2022)
The programme Podjetno naprej explores the Smrekovit family business, its beginnings, present-day production and the people behind its story.
Podjetno naprej – Slovenian National TV (2023)
In Aleteia's Men's Secrets series, Matic Konc shares his reflections on family, faith, entrepreneurship, personal values and finding balance in everyday life.
Humility Is the Only Weapon – Aleteia (2023)
A personal profile of Matic Konc in Naša družina explores his reflections on family life, faith, work and the values he strives to uphold while running Smrekovit.
An Entrepreneur with a Rosary in Hand – Naša družina (2024)
An article by Matic Konc exploring spruce resin, its composition, history and traditional uses, published in Družinska pratika in 2024.
The Secrets of Spruce Resin – Družinska pratika (2024)
One of Ivo Konc's last interviews, in which he reflects on his life, the beginnings of spruce resin ointment, his therapeutic work, family, faith and handing the company over to his son Matic.
Ivo Konc's Life and Legacy – Glas občine Naklo (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smrekovit
Who founded Smrekovit, and who runs it today?
Smrekovit was founded by Ivo Konc, who made the first jars of spruce resin ointment in 1989. Sales began in 1990. Since 2010, the family business has been run by his son, Matic Konc.
Where does the spruce resin used in Smrekovit products come from?
We collect spruce resin ourselves in Slovenian forests. We gather resin that the trees have already released, without causing additional damage. Learn more about how we collect spruce resin.
Do you develop and manufacture your products yourselves?
We develop our products ourselves, and much of our manufacturing takes place at our own facilities. For certain specialised processes, such as producing softgel capsules, we work with external partners.
Does Smrekovit also offer manual therapy?
No. Manual therapy was part of founder Ivo Konc's personal work, but it is not a service offered by Smrekovit. Roman Perko now independently continues this aspect of Ivo's work.
Are all Smrekovit products BIO and VEGAN certified?
No. Each certificate applies only to the products it specifically covers. You can find the relevant documents and their scope in the Certificates and Internal Controls section.
Where can I find older interviews and television programmes about Smrekovit?
Our Smrekovit in the Media section brings together newspaper articles, interviews, features and television recordings. Many entries also include full transcripts and original documents.