Meat products company Angst Ro, owned by a Swiss businessman, posted 40% higher sales in the first half of 2005, to 18 million euros, following the growth of its own store network and of the HoReCa segment.
"Certain segments of our structure, that is the store network and the HoReCa segment, have seen solid growth this year. HoReCa soared 300% in the first six months, and the weight of this segment in the company''s turnover reached 15%," stated Stefan Padure, sales manager of Angst Ro Bucharest.
This year, the Bucharest-based producer expects turnover to reach 40 million euros, 30% higher than in 2004.
"Seasonal fluctuations were smaller compared to previous years, and, as the new school year opened and summer vacations came to an end, a better trend is foreseen for the second half of the year," Stefan Padure also said.
Investments made by Angst this year amount to 2 million euros, mainly targeting a production upgrade, the network of stores and certifications aimed to help the company reach EU standards.
More than 50% of Angst sales are carried through the company''s own store network, which includes 19 units, with another two to be ready by the end of this year. Angst currently owns 16 stores in Bucharest, two in Buftea and one in Sinaia.
The company also plans to open stores outside Bucharest, particularly in major cities. The average investment for the opening of a store stands at 120,000 euros.
The company has recently launched a range of meat and vegetable pates, which are sold only through its own store network for the time being, to be also launched in the HoReCa network at a later time.
Having worked with the HoReCa segment from the beginning, the company originally collaborated only with German restaurants, but began expanding its network last year, reaching
