Cretu, Romaqua: We are lucky we don't have to cut production

The year 2009 is the first year when the shareholders of Romaqua, producer of Borsec mineral water, are suspending investments in the group's development, after cumulated investments made in the last three years amounted to over 50-60 million euros. Octavian Cretu, president and majority shareholder of Romaqua Group, expects this year's investments to account for less than 3 million euros. The biggest investment, worth 40 million euros, was completed midway through last year - when the Sebes brewery was inaugurated, which allowed the producer to enter a new market. "This is the first year when we are suspending investments. We are lucky that production has not diminished this year - we have not had to take this step," said Cretu. He continues to rely on the growth of the markets where the group is operating - soft drinks and beer, but says Romaqua is incurring significant financial losses due to the depreciation of the RON.