From agricultural machinery to award-winning kitchen innovations: Gorenje has been making life easier for 75 years

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 04. 10:02

Making life easier – this has been Gorenje’s vision from the very beginning, which has enabled it to become one of the leading manufacturers of home appliances. Over the past 75 years, more than 127 million Gorenje appliances have found homes in over 60 countries worldwide.

From a small Slovenian village to international recognition

The story began in 1950 in the picturesque Slovenian village of Gorenje, where they initially produced agricultural machinery in a small workshop. However, thanks to new opportunities in the developing market for home appliances, their first solid-fuel stove was produced in 1958. The fast-growing company quickly outgrew its original location and moved to Velenje in 1960, which has been Gorenje’s home ever since.

Over the years, Gorenje has become one of the most recognizable Slovenian brands and the market leader in the Adriatic region – its current market share is around 30 percent. The acquisition of the Hisense Group in 2018 gave Gorenje access to new markets and the knowledge and opportunities to accelerate technological development. The brand performed excellently in the large household appliances market in 2024, resulting in market share growth in all European regions and in all product categories. Its position was particularly strengthened in the cooking appliances (4th place) and refrigerators (6th place), and it achieved outstanding results in Eastern Europe, where it came in second place with a market share of 10.6 percent.

Innovation for a simpler life

Gorenje contributes to the easier completion of household tasks with a number of advanced features. In the field of washing and drying, these include a steam function, programs adapted to special textiles and imitating natural drying, triple A efficiency (in terms of energy, noise and spin). In dishwashers, users are assisted by complete dish drying, intelligent detergent dosing, and antibacterial protection. Cooking and baking are assisted by automatic programs adapted to various dishes (such as the latest PizzaPlus program), steam-assisted baking, induction hobs with flexible cooking zones, stable temperatures, and intuitive pan detection. In food storage, adjustable drawers, technology that automatically adapts to user habits, and various size and volume options are among the advantages.