Czech beverage company Kofola Group has reported a 7.6% growth in revenue, to CZK 1.29 billion (€50.0 million), in the first quarter of its financial year.
It was driven by higher sales in all segments and strong performance in the Adriatic region.
The group's adjusted EBITDA rose by 12.2% during the period, to CZK 118 million (€4.6 million).
Regional Performance
Revenue in its CzechoSlovakia segment rose by 4.1%, to CZK 900.7 million (€34.9 million), driven by its on-the-go and on premise formats.
It is the group's highest HoReCa share of the Czech and Slovakian market since 2011.
In Slovakia, the market share has exceeded 40% for the first time, with a significant contribution from draught Kofola.
The company achieved 12.5% growth in the Adriatic, to CZK 225.9 million (€8.7 million), driven by the sales of Radenska mineral water, as well as Croatian mineral water Lipički Studenac.
The CzechoSlovak and the Adriatic region generated 87.3% of the group’s total revenues, compared to 88.9% a year earlier.
Beverage Sales
The sales of beverages accounted for 87.4% of the group’s revenue in Q1 2019.
Carbonated beverages generated 40.3% of the total revenue, followed by waters (25.8%), non-carbonated beverages (13.2%) and syrups (8.2%).
Fresh bars and salads accounted for 7.4% of the revenue, while other activities generated another 5.2%.
During the reference period, Kofola Group completed the sale of Hoop Polska to Poland’s ZMB Capital, which produces Ustronianka waters.
The transaction included the production plant in Kutno, trademark rights, employees, and the distribution network.
Outlook
The management of Kofola Group is confident that the excellent first-quarter results will enable the company to meet its year-round goals.
Some of its key own-brand products include carbonated beverages Kofola and Vinea, waters Radenska, Studenac and Rajec, Jupí syrup, Jupík beverages for children, Semtex energy drinks, and UGO fresh juices and salads.
In some markets, Kofola Group distributes Rauch, Evian, Badoit and Vincentka products, and under licence produces Royal Crown cola, Orangina, Rauch and Pepsi.
It also produces and distributes private-label water, beverages and syrups for retail chains.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
