ROMANIA: Cris-Tim wants to reach the 150 million euros threshold in 2017 | Progresiv
Cris-Tim group of Companies, one of the most important cold cuts producers in Romania, estimates a 20% increase in turnover for this year compared to 2016, the target being the 150 million euro threshold. 
"The result was supported by sales growth of 30% in modern retail. But if we are talking about profitability, we will not be able to maintain the same growth rate, but at the end of the year we will be above the result achieved in 2016. And this is due to the shock of the clean label and the rising costs of wages", said Radu Timis, President of Cris-Tim, for Progresiv.
With respect to distribution of sales by sales channel, modern retail generates 35% of volume sales and 45% in terms of value. "We are well on the retail segment, but the expansion of players such as Profi and Penny Market is saying its word", Radu Timis added.
As for investments, the manufacturer has allocated seven million euros this year, a budget distributed to farms, packaging, food safety, product launches or auto fleet. Moreover, Radu Timis talks about a diversification of the dairy portfolio, where Cris-Tim is active with the Mugura brand. In this regard, the manufacturer intends to expand the assortment by entering the cheese segment.
According to Radu Timis, 90% of the business is currently supported by cold cuts sales, 7% of ready-meal and 3% of dairy. Next year, the manufacturer will also focus on developing the wine division.
On the other hand, another development line for next year is the export area where, in 2017, the company has picked up a 25% increase.
"We have grown more than domestically on export and we have reached 15%. We will go to Dubai where we will meet with eight supermarket chains. If the US market opens next year, it would be an important step for us", Radu Timis added.
The Cris-Tim Group reported last year a turnover of 122 million euros, up by 18% from 2015 and an operating profit of 10 million euros. Several companies are in the group: Prod-Com, that runs the cold cuts factory in Filipestii de Padure, Eco-Ferm, which operates the dairy production and processing division, Impex Cris-Tim, which is the ready-meals and store division, and Cris-Tim 2 Prodcom operating the division of meat and milk products.
