Borsec producer triples profit to 6m euros

The Romaqua Group, the biggest mineral water producer on the market, posted an approximately 6 million-euro gross profit last year, almost three times as much as in 2005, according to data provided in the Official Gazette. The entirely Romanian-held group posted a 71 million-euro turnover last year, over 45% higher than in 2005, due to sales increases seen on the three segments on which it operates - mineral water, soft drinks and coffee. Last year, Romaqua invested 10 million euros in its mineral water bottling facilities in Borsec and Stanceni. The producer's plans for this year include taking out a 31 million-euro credit from the BCR, in order to finance the construction of a beer factory in Sebes (Alba county), as well as increasing a line of credit taken out in 2005 to 3.5 million euros. Rom aqua could enter the beer market next year, when the plant is scheduled for completion. The investment plan for this year also targets an increase in soft drinks production at the plant in Busteni. The product portfolio includes Borsec and Stanceni mineral waters, Giusto, Brifcor and Quick Cola soft drinks and the Metropolitan coffee.