by croatiaweek
September 24, 2025
in
Veselo co-founder on her olive field
Kožino — Standing in her father’s olive grove outside Zadar, Kristina Pavić has just flown in from New York on a whirlwind trip.
With the harvest season approaching, she wanted to walk the land, check on the trees, and once again feel the soil that ties her family to generations of tradition.
“I may live in New York, but my heart is here in Croatia,” says Pavić, seated on her bright red Vespa among the silvery olive branches.
“Every trip back reminds me that this isn’t just about olive oil—it’s about family, tradition, and the land that connects us.”
The Pavić family has cultivated olives in Kožino for decades and later expanded to Smilčić.
Today, with more than 1,000 trees, they continue the legacy that began with Kristina’s grandfather, Šime, and was passed down to her father, Krsto.
They now produce cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil under the emerging brand VESELO—a name that captures the spirit of joy, celebration, and family gatherings.
Recent laboratory tests confirmed the oil’s exceptional quality, certified Extra Virgin under EU regulations. Each bottle reflects not only the golden richness of Dalmatia’s land and sun but also the story of resilience, migration, and return.
For Kristina, however, the vision goes beyond her family groves.
“I want Croatian olive oil to be recognized on the global stage as some of the best in the world,” she emphasizes. “Not only our family’s oil, but also the incredible work of so many Croatian producers deserves to be celebrated for its quality.”
Veselo olive fields in Kožino
As the October–November harvest approaches, the Pavić family prepares to hand-pick olives and share the authenticity of Dalmatian olive oil culture.
“Our goal is to honor the past while creating a future where Croatian olive oil stands proudly among the world’s finest,” Kristina adds.
Like many younger Croatians from the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond, Kristina is part of a generation returning to Croatia to help launch businesses in fields ranging from agriculture to science, technology, and engineering.
“It’s very important to show that the younger generation feels inspired to keep these traditions alive,” Pavić says.
“Many are coming back from all over the world, drawn by the strength of their heritage and the values passed down to them.”
Veselo olives