Murfatlar: Romanian communities are an important niche

Murfatlar, one of the leading producers in the local wine industry, forecasts a 25% increase in exports this year against 2007, amid expansion onto new markets, such as Russia and Italy. In 2006, the company exported 15% of its wine production, with exports up by 20% in 2007. Over the last two years, Murfatlar’s exports have increased by 7%. “Our prime targets were the US market in 2007, which is a traditional market, and China, the largest market in the world, which is attractive to any producer, regardless of what it has to offer. Additionally, exports to Israel, Finland, Germany and the UK saw increases in 2007 compared with 2006,” said Daniel Negrescu (photo), brand manager of Murfatlar. The company also has products on the Spanish and Italian markets, where it is considering boosting its exports, because “Romanian communities are an important consumer niche.” The company ended 2007 with turnover worth 42 million euros, in line with original estimates. “Our turnover target for 2008 is 50 million euros. The growth follows the same trend witnessed in the previous years, amid the slow, but steady increase of the wine market. Romanian consumers are becoming more refined, given the outstanding grape harvest in 2007,” added Negrescu. The producer’s best selling brands in 2007 were Zestrea Murfatlar, Lacrima lui Ovidiu, Zaraza, 3 hectare, Sec de Murfatlar, Babanu and Premiat.