Pangram sees 38% operating income increase

Resita-based Pangram, one of the biggest pasta producers on the local market, estimates a 25% increase in business this year, due to an expansion of exports to neighbouring and Western European countries. “We have predicted that growth will stand at around 20-25% this year because of our expansion onto new markets such as Bulgaria and Serbia. Additionally, we are also looking into the possibility of exporting to Western Europe,” stated Ioan Popa, the company’s general manager. Growth estimates this year remain similar to projections in 2006, when Pangram posted a 22% rise in turnover against 2005, which was predominantly attributed to the maturation of its distribution system. The producer posted an 18.5 million-euro turnover in 2006 and approximately 2.2 million euros in operating income, up 38% against 2005. “The development of the distribution system resulted in a balance between traditional and modern retail,” explained Popa. According to the company’s general manager, “the traditional market” still accounts for 60% of total consumer goods sales.