“Sales have gone up by about 50% since the beginning of March over the year-ago period (…). We can now fulfil all orders so we’re working 24 hours a day in shifts except weekends. In case the order volume goes up, we will be working at capacity during weekends, as well,” says Bustya Noémi, marketing representative of Apemin Tusnad.
The increase in production capacity as a result of an investment conducted in 2019 makes the company certain it can bottle and deliver significant amounts of natural sparkling and still mineral water in a short time.
Market research company Market Vector data show Romanians drink 87 liters of mineral water on average a year, below the European Union average of 117 liters. Consumption of mineral water is higher during summer.
The officials of Romaqua Group, the bottler of Borsec, Aquatique and Stanceni mineral waters, says sales are 40% up at this time of the year and Romaqua is working at capacity. Maspex Romania, too, saw higher sales of Bucovina and La Vitta water brands.
Carpathian Springs, the bottler of AQUA Carpatica mineral water is working at capacity, as well.
“Sales are up 250% to 300’% at this time of the year and we are working at capacity. We had expected this growth, not necessarily because of the coronavirus, but because of the improved visibility of the brand. We’re investing EUR20 million in the expansion of the plant, we’ll have three more bottling lines operational by the end of May,” said Jean Valvis, chairman of Valvis Holding, the group that owns the AQUA Carpatica brand.
Nicoltana, the bottler of Keia and Ivorul dintre Brazi saw a rise in sales, too.
“We estimate about 30% higher sales than in the year-ago period because of the high demand for necessity goods. This will happen unless additional restrictions are imposed that affect the raw material supply chain (…),” Nicoltana officials told ZF.
Coca-Cola Romania representatives said the bottling and distribution company’s operations are running smoothly.
“We are working with our coworkers to be able to ensure that in case of major changes we will be able to continue delivering our beverages. We will continue to work with all our partners to limit any potential risks and will be ready to respond as quickly as possible to the situations generated by the developments in Romania. to do that, we will continue to comply with the recommendations of the authorities.”
Coca-Cola’s operations in Romania include Coca-Cola Romania (subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, the owner of the registered trademarks) and its partner Coca-Cola HBC Romania, the bottler of the beverages. Its local brands include mineral water brands Dorna, Dorna Izvorul Alb and Poiana Negri.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)