Kofola Group’s income in first half of the year reached CZK 3.395 billion, topping the last year’s figure by 11.1 %. The gross margin increased by 25.2 % and EBITDA raised by 46.4 %. The income was significantly furthered by acquisition of Slovenian Radenska brand in March and supported by the sales of UGO fresh fruit and vegetable juices showing 59 % growth. On the other hand, the Group’s revenues were affected by a slight decrease in sales in Polish market.
“The acquisition of Radenska is remarkably reflected in the income for first half of the year, but Kofola Group is still growing even if this effect is extracted from the figures. This makes me happy, of course, because such financial results enable us to consider a growth also in new segments where we can offer our high-quality drinks and complex portfolio,” comments Jannis Samaras, Chief Executive Officer of Kofola Group.
This plan is confirmed by the company’s recent activities showing its increasingly intense focus on gastronomic segment. Since last November the company has been successfully cooperating with Rauch family company (Austria) through exclusive distribution of its drinks. After this significant extension of portfolio of products for restaurants the company expanded into the fast food segment. In addition to bars offering UGO fresh juices and Salateria, it launched a pilot restaurant based on the ON-GRILL concept which was opened last Tuesday at Jindřišská Street in Prague.
The company’s acquisition appetite also continues to be outstanding. Following the acquisition of Slovenian mineral water branch Radenska completed in March surpassed the expectations in terms of both the brand strength and potential of growth in the region, the Group representatives signed another contract in June. Based on this contract the company will acquire 40 % interest in WAD Group, Slovakia’s second largest non-alcoholic beverage producer which is renowned by its Budiš, Zlatá studňa, Gemerka and Fatra mineral water brands as well as Šofokola cola-type beverages. The transaction will be completed, which will result in indirect acquisition of minority interest in Water Holding, as soon as standard conditions precedent are met.
