8% growth for Agricola business last year | Progresiv
Agricola group of companies reported in 2019 a total turnover of almost 769 million lei, 8% more than in 2018. All the companies of the group reported mid and high single digit developments last year. 
Regarding the sales of poultry meat of Agricola, the company reported an increase of 7%, up to a total volume of almost 48,400 tonnes. The turnover reported by Agricola International SA Bacau in 2019 is of a little more than 501 million lei, under the conditions of an increase in the total sales of the slow-growing chickens.
"It is the result of an improved execution in operation, with increases in the sale of differentiating products (Puiul Fericit and Cocosel de Padure) and higher value-added products, which led to an appreciation of the average price for our products", said Grigore Horoi , Agricola President.
Regarding cold cuts, a division operated by Salbac, the turnover exceeded 143 million lei, increasing by 7% compared to 2018, under the conditions of an increase of volumes of almost 2 percent in the category of raw-dried salami. The value growth was also supported by the progressive increase in prices, as a result of raw materials becoming more expensive due to the African swine flu.
Europrod SA, the company from the group selling semi-prepared and ready-meal products, also reported higher sales in 2019. According to the company, the advance was 9%, given the increase of 3% in volumes sold.
"We are growing this category at a healthy pace, which is why last year we finalized an investment of 5.5 million euros, doubling our production capacity. About 32% of ready-meal products go to export ”, adds Agricola president.
For consumption eggs, obtained at Avicola Lumina Constanta, the company reported a steady turnover in 2019 (50,386 million lei), given that the company sold 80 million eggs.
Agricola is one of the largest producers of poultry meat in Romania and the main exporter in this category. Present on the market since the early 1990s, the group owns 18% of the chicken market, is the leader with 19% of the market for ready-meal and semi-prepared products, and the Agricola Sibiu Salami is the leader in the whole Sibiu Salami segment marketed in Romania, with 50% average market share, in value, according to Nielsen data.
