Gusto corn puffs owner is preparing investments of 5 million euros this year | Progresiv
PhoenixY, the company that produces Gusto corn puffs, ended last year with a turnover of 26 million euros, and for 2019 estimates a 25% advance and prepares 5 million euros investments, Eliodor Apostolescu, the business owner, told Progresiv. 
"2018 was a good year for our company at a very fast pace. We have concluded new contracts, developed new products for new shelves. The growth has come from the launch of new, innovative products that have helped make the brand even more visible at both national and international levels. The continuation of international expansion, the expansion of the brand on foreign markets is the second factor that supported the evolution of business”, says Eliodor Apostolescu.
For this year, the company expects a 25% increase in turnover and maintains "at least at the current level" profitability from a percentage point of view. The budget allocated for investments this year will be about five million euros, money directed to the development of new products and technologies.
"2018 saw the launch of the Gusto bio fruit range corn puffs in five countries, a unique manufacturing technology I worked for two years. The products have already been very successful and we intend to launch this year on the Romanian market as well. In addition, we have in research and development in the near near future a few new ranges. These are inspired by consumers' taste diversity, flavor, or new product categories, and after our market studies, we chose those ranges that comply to as many of these desires as possible", says Eliodor Apostolescu.
This year's business development will also be supported by export activity, with Gusto puffs currently being sold in 32 countries, from New Zealand to America. The construction of a new production unit remains one of the objectives of the next years, but this year, the company's efforts will focus on Europe.
"Although sales in this market are rising, this year we will focus on Europe. Our products are already in the top three places in the preference of consumers in many countries, so we will focus on increasing product exposure in this region, with new countries, new products and new partnerships with large retail chains", said the owner of PhoenixY.
Expansion plans also involve an increase in production capacity that could reach over 75 tonnes per day this year. The company owns a production unit in Baicoi, Prahova County.
