Unilever Expects to Grow in Poland and Indonesia

Food giant Unilever is seeking to invest more in Poland and Indonesia and strengthen its market presence, say press reports from both nations.

In Poland, the company is planning to build a new research & development centre, which will be specialised in ready soups. In Indonesia, Unilever is aiming to launch 60 more products in 2007 and plans to acquire more brands.

Poland

According to the Polish financial media, Unilever is a leader in many of Poland’s “fast moving consumer goods” (FMCG) markets, such as ice-cream (Algida), tea (Lipton, Saga), and margarines (Rama, Flora). The firm reportedly wants a leading share in the ready soup segment, which, according to Unilever Polska management, is a booming market.

“In 2005, the ready soup market in Poland grew by nearly 60%. This year, the dynamics are also very high. We also expect double-digit growth rates in upcoming years”, a Unilever Polska spokesperson said.

The financial media adds that Unilever Polska has already opened a plant in Poznan for about zl.100 million (26 million euro) to produce soups which will mainly be exported to countries such as France and the Netherlands. However, the company says it will also gradually develop its presence in the Polish market.

Furthermore, the company will also set up a research & development centre in Poznan for 5 million euro to help the firm carry out its growth strategy in the country. Initially, 70 people will be employed there, adds the media.

Indonesia

PT Unilever Indonesia, the nation's biggest consumer goods firm, informed FLEXNEWS back in May 2006 that it was monitoring the snacks and flavoured tea market with a particular focus on vanilla tea.

However, recently, PT Unilever Indonesia’s corporate secretary, Franky Jamin, has told the national press that his company is actively planning to acquire more brands in order to strengthen its presence in the Indonesian market.

"We are negotiating with a number of companies," Jamin said.

According to the press reports, the last brand the company acquired was Taro snacks, produced by PT Rasa Murni Utama, in 2003.

In addition the press reports say that PT Unilever Indonesia will launch 60 new products next year and will maintain its products at 500 items.

Source:flexnews.com