Sept 25, 2007 – Florina, a major producer of fruit juices and carbonated beverages, has made a move into the Romanian market after signing a distribution deal with two other companies.
The Bulgarian firm has teamed up with the Romanian division of the German retail chain Metro Cash & Carry and local outfit Apemin Tusnad.
Florina has previously operated in Romania under the Aro and Evita brands after closing a bottling deal with Metro. Under the latest deal, its products will be sold under the Florina name.
The company announced it was to launch an advertising campaign in Romania next year. Florina said it plans to continue its beverage production in Bulgaria for the present but proposes to set up a production line in Apemin Tusnad by the end of 2009.
The firm also announced it has secured an 8 million euro bond loan to clear outstanding debts and secure working capital for future development.
Florina’s projected sales for 2007 are expected to reach 15 million levs (7.7 million euro).