Danone changes sales strategy

Danone Romania has decided to change its sales strategy by dropping its centralised deposit system in Bucharest in favour of using regional warehouses. The first of the new warehouses was opened in Cluj on Monday. Company officials announced that similar warehouses would be established in Moldova and Dobrogea in the next two or three years. Danone has invested more than 30 million euros in modern production and distribution facilities. It accounted for half of the volume on the fresh dairy products market at the end of 2004, with turnover up 39% on the previous year. The company has 550 employees. The new regional distribution centre covers an area of 600 square metres and includes refrigerating equipment, office space and a cafeteria. It will supply Cluj, Oradea, Baia Mare and Targu Mures. Company officials say the opening of this warehouse will lead to a 15% growth in sales of Danone products. The warehouse is situated in a building belonging to Napoca Constructii and rented by Danone for five years. ZF