In 2012, the company generated revenue of RON789.5 million (EUR177 million), 8.5% above the previous year’s level.
From Bucharest, Unilever South Central Europe coordinates operations in several countries of the region, namely Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Moldova and Kosovo. The Romanian market is the most important, contributing over 50% to revenue, according to the latest information.
“2013 was a very good year for us, with the mid single digit growth rate placing Unilever South Central Europe on the third position in Europe. Among markets in the region, Romania had the best performance, with above-average growth,” says Jarek Malinowski, managing director of Unilever South Central Europe since the summer of 2012. He did not come up with further figures.
Malinowski said the start of 2014 was good, with various performances on different product categories. Unilever is present on several market segments, namely personal care, with brands such as Dove, home cleaning products – Domestos or Dero, and food – Magnum or Napoca ice-cream, margarine.
As regards performances along product categories, Malinowski states sales of ice-cream and Dove have been on the rise since the beginning of the year, while margarine sales have lagged behind. On the ice-cream segment, Unilever has Algida and Napoca brands in its portfolio.
In Romania, the Anglo-Dutch giant has two plants in Ploiesti where it manufactures food and home cleaning products.
“The Ploiesti plant exports over 50% of production to over 20 countries worldwide. The plant has better prices than other plants, a reason why the weight of exports may rise”.
As regards the construction of a new plant or the expansion of production capacity in Ploiesti, Jarek Malinowski does not make any comment, but specifies Romania is currently a good investment destination.
“Romania ranks third in the region among the most appealing countries for investment, ahead of Hungary. Moreover, the young population is educated and well trained, so that the Romanian market is a good investment destination”.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)