Beverage manufacturer reports 2011 sales exceed US$850 million
More than 120 million cases of beverage sold in 2011
Company enters six new markets in 2011; ambitious expansion plans will see further new markets in 2012
Dammam, Saudi Arabia; February 18, 2012: Aujan Industries, the largest privately-owned, independent soft drink company in the Middle East, announced today that its sales will pass the US$1 billion mark in 2012, driven by organic growth in core markets and expansion into new markets.
Ahead of its participation at Gulfood 2012, one of the world's biggest annual food and hospitality shows, Aujan Industries reports that its total sales in 2011 reached close to US$900 million. The company witnessed strong growth across its three beverage brands, with a total exceeding 120 million cases sold during the year.
Sales of Rani, the Middle East's number one juice brand, increased by 22 per cent year-on-year. In 2011, sales of Aujan's Vimto cordial passed the 30 million bottle mark for the first time, increasing by more than 20 per cent year-on-year in most markets, driven by exceptional demand during Ramadan. In addition, other non-cordial Vimto variants continued accelerating, delivering a growth rate of almost 40 per cent year-on-year. The company's Barbican brand also witnessed strong growth, with sales increasing by 12 per cent year-on-year.
Key to the growth of Aujan Industries in the past year was its continued strong performance in core and emerging markets, in addition to an ambitious expansion strategy. In 2011, the company shipped its products to the following six new markets for the first time: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and South Sudan.
In 2012, Aujan Industries will continue to expand into new markets, with Indonesia and Thailand both expected to be added in the coming months. The company is also focused on expanding its presence in other markets through its recently announced partnership with The Coca-Cola Company.
"In the past year, Aujan Industries has consolidated its leading position in established markets while expanding into new territories," said Kadir Gunduz, President & CEO, Aujan Industries. "Our products are now sold in over 70 countries around the world and we have ambitious plans to grow this figure further. Aujan Industries is firmly established as a home-grown FMCG powerhouse, and is positioned to pass the one billion dollar annual sales mark for the first time in the long and distinguished history of the company."
In response to increasing demand, Aujan Industries has continued to invest heavily in its production and distribution capacity. The company will expand capacity at its three existing facilities and will open two new factories in the next five years.
In December 2011, Aujan Industries announced a binding agreement for The Coca-Cola Company to acquire approximately half of the equity in Aujan's existing beverage business, representing the largest-ever investment by a multinational firm in the Middle East's fast moving consumer goods sector. Once closed, this $980 million transaction will provide Saudi Arabia-based Aujan Industries a platform to accelerate the international growth of the Aujan brands, including Rani and Barbican, while enhancing the regional outlook for licensed brand Vimto.
Aujan Industries is taking part in this year's Gulfood 2012 exhibition from 19-22 February, and will be located in stand no. F2-10, Hall 2, Dubai World Trade Centre.
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About Aujan Industries:
Aujan Industries - established in 1905 - is the largest privately-owned, independent soft drink company in the Middle East. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company has more than 2,500 employees, a turnover of over US$850 million, and is ranked among the top 100 companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aujan Industries' well-established owned and licensed brands include Rani, Barbican and Vimto.
For further information, please contact:
Bashar Kharbat / Malek Abderahman
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: 026575195
b.kharbat@asdaa.com
m.rahman@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2012
