At the beginning of the year, consumers expressed dissatisfaction with the altered taste of the Gemerka mineral water, even though it was deemed harmless. Following an influx of customer complaints, the Sabol family, who manage various businesses including Gemerka, reverted to their previous production methods. This decision appears to have successfully eliminated complaints as customers have stopped voicing their concerns.

The Sabol family, headed by businessman Ján Sabol, controls a diverse business portfolio fundamental to various sectors, including biofuel production, logistics, and agriculture, with an impressive turnover of 4.5 billion euros. Their roots trace back to the 1990s when they acquired former socialist enterprises specializing in the production of spirits and mineral waters. The focus on mineral water production has been a significant aspect of their business, but they recently encountered substantial challenges regarding product quality. Such issues are particularly perilous for businesses in the food and beverage industry.

Through brands like Budiš, Fatra, Gemerka, and Zlatá studňa, the Sabol family holds approximately 25% of the Slovak market for unflavored waters and about 10% of the flavored beverage market. Discussions in online forums noted complaints about the taste change, signaling potential consumer backlash that could affect their market share if not addressed. This incident not only impacts the company's reputation but also serves as a cautionary tale for adherence to quality standards in the highly regulated beverage market.