The household segment boosts La Fantana's business

"The increase in turnover is due to market development on the household segment. We have recently launched the Stil La Fantana service, destined for home consumers, and I believe this segment will account for 10 percent of the business by 2008," Cristian Amza, the company's General Manager and founder, told Business Standard.

The company targets 108 mln liters in sales in 2008, compared to 90 mln liters forecast for 2007. In 2006, La Fantana registered sales of some 68 mln liters, according to company data, and a €15 mln turnover.

For this year, company officials expect Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) worth €5.5 mln, which could amount to some €8 mln in 2008.

According to Amza, the company's development will be based on organic growth in the coming years. La Fantana has a 70 percent share of the Romanian water cooler bottled water market, presently estimated at €30-40 mln and its main competitor is the Cumpana brand.