If in the 90’s Recas region was fourth largest vineyard in Banat wine region, now, Cramele Recas is the only winemaker in the area with national coverage, which is ranked fifth in the local wine industry. For this year, the company plans its biggest ever investment. Ciprian Rosca, chief commercial officer Cramele Recas unveiled details about the project in an interview to Wall-Street.
“Small steps helped us get where we are now”, said Ciprian Rosca (photo). If ten years ago, the biggest portion of the production output was exported as bulk wine, investments in vineyards and wineries have led to the arrival of commercial brands, such as: Schwaben wein, Castle Rock, Frunza in the retail sector; Bag in Box 3L/10L, V Drinks in the HoReCa sector; and Cocosul, La Putere, Sole, Solo Quinta, Cuvee Uberland the premium lineup.
This year, Cramele Recas will make its biggest-ever investment. As of March until June, the winemaker will invest in the expansion and modernization of the winery, other €2 million for equipment, and €2.2 million for the reconversion of 130-ha vineyard (wine varieties such as Merlot, Black Maiden – Feteasca Neagra -, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, etc).
In the first five months this year, the winemaker recorded a turnover of over €4.5 million, 2% higher than year-ago period. Cramele Recas (Recas Cellar) expect a turnover of €13.5 million in 2010, versus €13 million recorded last year.
The producer’s set of measures to improve efficiency includes the divestment of the regional cellar door (that served operations in half of the country) and the lease of space in a logistic center for flexibility and cost/sales unit optimization. It also decided to bring its adjacent services in-house and cut jobs.
Rosca says the market is set to take the heaviest losses this year, as psychologically, consumers will pull back on their
