Murfatlar reports EUR 32 mln sales in 2012, focuses on premium wines in 2013

Romanian winemaker Murfatlar, has reported a turnover of RON 140 million (approx. EUR 32 million) for 2012 and says it wants to reach a similar figure in 2013, Daniel Negrescu, brand manager Murfatlar, told BR.

One of the company’s strategies this year is to continue developing its premium and super premium line of products. In 2011 Murfatlar invested some EUR 0.55 million in opening a new winery  – M1.Crama Atelier – dedicated to the production of premium wines.

As part of its strategy to grow this segment, Murfatlar has hired Razvan Macici as consulting enologist. Macici is famous for being the cellar master of the Nederburg winery in South Africa, a position he has held since 2001. Over the years he has won a large number of industry awards for wines across the range.

Premium wines represented 16 percent of the company’s 2012 sales.

Murfatlar, one of the main winemakers in Romania, says that the overall evolution of the local wine market is not encouraging so far this year. “In the first quarter (…) consumption has resumed a downward trend against the fact that last year there were some chances of recovery,” said Negrescu. This year the company sees potential for growth coming mainly from external markets as local consumers remain budget-conscious, he added.

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Murfatlar entered insolvency in March 2012 and is presently in the phase of solving contestations regarding the debts from the initial receivables table.

Simona Bazavan