Aldis cold meats to yield €95 mln in 2008

According to Naghi, the increase is due to an expansion of the company's production capacity in 2007 to a daily 150 tons, but also because investments were completed in the convenience food segment, and for the production of Sibiu salami and fresh meats.

"Following growth in 2007 of 23 percent, we are expecting a rise of only some 5 percent year-on-year in 2008, due to the saturation of the market," according to a declaration for Business Standard by the company's President, Naghi.

He went on to say that the sale of fresh products has risen lately, especially in supermarkets. Modern supermarket chains cover 50 percent of total sales, with the percentage increasing every year, while the company's own network delivers 45 percent.

The domestic cold meats market is worth some €700 mln according to data supplied by employer associations. The main competitors are Cris Tim, Aldis Calarasi, Campofrio and Angst. According to Naghi Aldis is market leader with some 18 percent market share based on volume.

Aldis has recently been courted by several foreign investment funds, although there discussions regarding a possible takeover have not been finalized. Naghi insists that he no longer wants to sell the family business, which he valuates at some €100 mln.

Aldis owns several animal farms in Calarasi County. Last year, the company invested €12 million in processing and animal husbandry.