Wine maker Murfatlar, turnover in excess of 20 million euro in first seven months

Murfatlar Romania SA (south-east), the biggest wine maker in Romania, posted a turnover of 72 million lei (20.73 million euro) in the first seven months of 2008, up 31% versus the similar period in 2007, Laura Musat, PR manager told.

In H1 2008, the turnover reached 62 million lei (some 17.3 million euro), up 25% versus H1 2007, with the growth being “slightly smaller than estimated.” The company’s 2007 turnover stood at 42 million euro, up 20% versus 2006.

As to the 2008 production of grapes, the Murfatlar officials count on over 30,000 tonnes, up 20% versus 2007. Murfatlar Romania currently manages some 3,000 hectares of vine.
 
The 2008 wine production estimated by the firm amounts to some 21 million litres, by 5 million liters more than in 2007. Daniel Negrescu, brand manager in the company, considers that 20% of the total production will be exported. He says the company exports wine to the USA (most o the exports), China, Italy, Spain, Israel, Finland and Germany.

The local wine market exceeds 450 million euro. The relevant experts expect a growth pace of 15% growth pace this year. The main players on the local wine market are Murfatlar, Cotnari (east), Jidvei (centre), Vincon Vrancea (east), Cramele Recas (west) and Domeniile Tohani (south).

Murfatlar has a market share of 28% in terms of value and 25% in terms of volume, said the
company’s brand manager.