“We noticed a drop on premium products, but all categories were affected,” said Mihai. According to the company’s General Manager, sales computed in lei in January-February were below those registered in the first two months of 2008. March was better than February in terms of sales, but not as good as March 2008.
“On the whole, the market will be below its 2008 value in 2009. It can be considered very good if the 2008 level is maintained, and good if there is a 10 percent drop,” Mihai added.
The company’s net sales amounted to some €58 million in 2008, up seven percent year-on-year, but fell five percent in lei in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the first three months last year.
Due to the financial crisis, the company cut costs and the number of employees, forewent the idea of entering the hotels, restaurants, and catering (HoReCa) segment, suspended direct distribution in large cities and reduced this in Bucharest, because shops fail to meet their deadlines. Lekkerland is revising its budget quarterly, considering the fluctuations of the exchange rate. Its main competitors are Top Brands Distribution, Interbrands Marketing&Distribution, and Aquila.
