The wine producer posted turnover worth €4.2 million in the first eight months of 2008, 36 percent higher in the same period last year. Imports make up a 10 percent ratio in the company’s turnover, according to General Manager Rares Marinescu. Cramele Recas posted turnover worth some €10 million in 2007 and expects €13 million this year.
The Romanian wine market was estimated at some €450 million last year. Main companies are Murfatlar, Vincon, Jidvei, Cotnari and Vinexport Focsani. “Currently, some 4 percent of the market is represented by imports. I think that imports will make up some 25 percent of the market in 2010,” said Marinescu.
Cramele Recas obtained a 20 percent larger crop of grapes this fall, but one of the company’s main problems is a lack of workforce. Marinescu said that Cramele Recas will hire workers from China or India as of 2009.
The company owns 600 hectares of vineyard in Western Romania and three stores in Bucharest. It has 80 franchise stores in the country.
