The improving consumer sentiment, which led to an increase in spending and the new product launches such as Coca-Cola Lime generated 7% to 8% rise in sales in the first nine months, says Dan Timotin, country sales director with Coca-Cola HBC Romania.
“We rose faster than the market and I believe our plans made the difference. They include new product launches like Coca-Cola Lime, the change of flavor for Coca-Cola Zero, as well as communication (…) elements for premium brands like Schweppes,” Dan Timotin, who became country sales director in March 2016, told ZF.
Soft drinks consumption went up 5% in the first half, while Coca-Cola HBC Romania sales rose 5% to 6% in volume, its official said.
The improving consumer sentiment and a much hotter summer than in 2016 helped the company achieve 7% to 8% sales growth in the first nine months.
Coca-Cola HBC Romania also became the sole partner in Romania of Italian coffee producer Lavazza, expanding into a business where consumption is higher during winter.
“We took over the wholesaling of Lavazza in Romania via a partnership with the Italian premium coffee company. This is a long-term joint venture valid in seven countries. We cover all sales channels, from the traditional to office sales channel.”
The other countries covered the partnership include Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece and Switzerland. (EUR1=RON4.5974)
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)