Cramele Recas lowers exports to focus on domestic market

“In 2006, we exported 40 percent of our production. Last year, exports made up a mere 30 percent. This year, we plan to maintain the same ratio, as we intend to increasingly focus on the Romanian market in the coming years,” the company’s General Manager, Gheorghe Iova, told Business Standard. Another reason for lowering the export ratio was the appreciation of the leu last year, he added.

The Timis County company, based in the western town of Recas, posted €10 million in turnover in 2007, 25 percent higher year-on-year, and gross profit worth €2.5 mln. For 2008, company officials estimate a 25 percent increase in business, following investments in brand promotion and an increase in the portfolio due to wine imports.

The local wine market is estimated at some €450 mln, with Murfatlar, Jidvei, Cotnari, Cramele Recas, Vincon and Domeniile Tohani as main players.

According to data from producers, Romanians drink an average 30 liters of wine annually, while beer consumption amounts to 80 liters per capita.

Worldwide, France is the main wine consumer, at an annual 55 liters per capita annually, followed by Italy, the U.S., Germany and Spain.