Importer of Jack Daniels and Finlandia doubles half-year turnover

BDG Import posted €19.8 mln in business in 2007, 72 percent higher year-on-year, company data show.

“Metaxa, Evian and Corona were the products subject to the highest growth in the first half of the year. Metaxa sales rose 80 percent in the first six months, compared to H1 2007,” Berciu told Business Standard.

Best-selling products in the company’s portfolio are Jack Daniels, Finlandia, Metaxa, Corona, Jagermeister, and Evian, with an 87 percent ratio in terms of total turnover, the manager added.

The local imported spirits market is worth some €80 million, according to market players, and makes up a 4-5 percent share of the total spirits market, half compared to the Hungarian market.

Companies in the field are expecting a 30-40 percent increase of the imported spirits market in 2009, due to investments in promotion and the launching of new products.

Furthermore, Romanians are increasingly interested in quality products, as living standards rise, according to Berciu. Romania’s accession to the European Union likewise led to a 30-60 percent drop in the prices of spirits, as import taxes were annulled.

Main players on this segment are Pernod Ricard, Heinrig, Cristalex, Sollers, and BDG Import.