19 November 2008 - Dutch Refresco, a specialist manufacturer of fruit juices and soft drinks for retail private labels and A-labels, is expanding quickly.
Last year, the firm acquired Histogram in the UK and Kentpol in Poland. More recently, in September, the company signed an agreement to add the Bavaria soft drinks production site known as Schiffers Food, to its European platform.
And, yesterday, its Iberica arm signed a letter of intent with Leche Pascual to closely co-operate in the Spanish juice and fruit drink market by creating new opportunities at the Zumos Pascual production plant in Palma del Rio, Cordoba.
In a recent interview, Refresco CEO, Hans Roelofs, said that he sees expansion possibilities in Central and Eastern European countries especially via the international retailers such as Tesco, Carrefour and Lidl who are entering this region. He also beleives that local operators are offering more sophisticated ranges of their own. Meanwhile, new premium (private label) ranges are being developed as consumer spending in the area also grows.
Roelofs also said that he expects Refresco in the near future to remain focused on its core business and will continue to carry out its buy and build strategy.
"We aim to be a no 1 European player in soft drinks and juices and we see ourselves growing in a field of consolidation", said Roelofs.
Based in Dordrecht, Refresco, formerly Menken Beverages, was formed only eight years ago. Since its establishment, the company has grown to 18 production sites across Europe with over 2,200 employees. Last year Refresco saw its turnover grow to 951 million euro. The company expects 1.3 billion euro for 2008.