Murfatlar invests $2m in equipment

Wine producer Murfatlar Romania will invest some 2m euros in modernising the company by the end of next year. Part of the money was obtained through the SAPARD programme, financed by the European Union.

“The investment project mainly targets modernising and retooling the winemaking equipment, improving the quality of the finite products, shipping semi-products, as well as improving internal quality control. Murfatlar Romania will import state-of-the-art equipment,” Adrian Popescu, the company’s PR manager said.

Part of the funds will be used to purchase lab equipment, Popescu added. The SAPARD funds amount to 998,107 euros, with the rest coming from the company’s funds.

Murfatlar posted some $16m turnover last year, 61% more than in the previous year. Moreover, the company’s investments in advertising amounted to $3.2m (rate-card), according to market research company Alfacont Mediawatch. Company officials would not disclose results posted in the first half of 2003.

The company has recently launched a range of sweet wines – Rai de Murfatlar (Heaven by Murfatlar), whereas 2002 was the year of dry wine – Sec de Murfatlar (Dry by Murfatlar).

The company’s portfolio also includes other ranges, such as Bennett Selection, Premiat, Vinoteca and Lacrima lui Ovidiu.

Murfatlar exports wine to more than 15 countries, mainly to the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Israel and Belgium.

The main domestic competitors of Murfatlar are Vincon Vrancea, Jidvei and Cotnari.

Under the SAPARD programme, the European Union aims to help accession candidates bring agriculture and the rural environment in line with community standards. The EU grants Romania 153 million euros annually for seven years (as non-reimbursable loans), to facilitate the enforcement of community legislation.
claudia.covaci@zf.ro