Harghita-based mineral water producer Mineral Quantum estimates an over 10 million-euro turnover for this year, up 25% against last year, when the company saw sales worth approximately 8 million euros.

"2007 is expected to be a year of growth for all players in the mineral water industry, therefore our estimates for this year point to a 25% sales increase against last year, amid a rise in mineral water consumption per capita," said Adrian Barbat, marketing adviser of Mineral Quantum.

According to company representatives, mineral water consumption on the domestic market accounts for just 25% of consumption on Western markets.

"We are counting on an increase in the bottled water market in Romania and believe we will reach the average consumption level in Western Europe within the next few years," said Adrian Barbat.

The company invested in expanding its production capacities last year, a trend that will also continue throughout this year, according to the management of Mineral Quantum. "We opened a new decarbonated natural mineral water line at the beginning of this year - Spring Harghita, produced in 5-litre bottles, at a rate of 2,000 bottles per hour, with the total investment amounting to 700,000 euros," said Adrian Barbat. The company produces carbonated as well as decarbonated natural mineral water under the Spring Harghita brand, with the products retailing through national distribution networks.

"We estimate that for the whole of 2007, we will produce a volume of 85 million litres of bottled water, up by approximately 29% against last year," said Adrian Barbat. According to representatives of the Harghita-based company, Mineral Quantum's market share currently represents 11% of the total carbonated natural water market.

"In Romania, the market of mineral waters is still under development, and we expect this process will conti