While Romanian-held Romaqua Group’s number of employees revolved around 1,900-2,000 during the crisis, Coca-Cola HBC Romania, leader of the soft drinks market, made almost 1,000 people redundant during the 2008-2013 period. Last year, the giant had an average number of 1,617 employees.
According to the latest data, Romaqua has seven production units, while giant Coca-Cola has just three units in Romania, after having closed down three plants starting 2005. At that time, the company had over 3,000 employees.
To draw up the ranking, ZF took into account both soft drink and spirits production.
Romaqua, a company controlled by businessmen Octavian Cretu and Nicolae Palfi, in 2013 climbed to the second position among the largest companies in the soft drinks industry (including mineral water) by revenue, outrunning giant PepsiCo.
Romaqua leads on the natural mineral water market and its portfolio includes mineral water brands Borsec, the best-selling on this segment in Romania, Aquatique, Stanceni, soft drinks brands Giusto, Cico, as well as Albacher, Dorfer and Mulbacher beers. Romaqua ended 2013 with revenue of around RON588 million (EUR133 million).
Last year, the ten largest employers in the beverage industry had together 10,500 employees, around 1,900 fewer than in 2008. ZF values the market at around EUR4 billion.
The ranking is dominated by foreign-held companies and just two Romanian-held companies battle international giants. Thus, beside Romaqua, European Drinks, owned by businessmen Ioan and Viorel Micula, is also present in the ranking with 729 employees, 600 fewer than in 2008.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)