Citi offers fee free online money transfers to Poland

Citibank is to offer fee free money transfers to Poland for the UK's estimated one million Poles.

The joint offer from Citibank and its Polish sister Citi Handlowy allows Poles to transfer money to Poland with only Citibank exchange rates applying to transfers and transactions across currencies.

The Citibank Easy Account offers Poles in the UK instant online transfers to Poland, no monthly fee for account maintenance and a Visa debit card.

Meanwhile Citibank has launched a new account service that allows potential UK customers to open a current account for a relative with Citi Handlowy without the need to visit the bank's branch in Poland.

Ian Kerr, Citi UK consumer business manager, said: "The 'One Citi' strategy is aimed at strengthening co-operation between business lines and between countries.

"The fact that today we can announce the launch of the UK's first 'one bank' service for Poles living and working in the UK is a direct outcome of the implementation of this strategy."

Agnieszka Burban, housing association worker in London, who moved from Poland in 2004, said: "I think its great news for all Poles sending money back to Poland. It must make their lives easier."

Figures from Polish Ministry of Finance reveal in 2006 Polish immigrants sent €4.5 billion to their families in Poland from around the world.
Source:.myfinances.co.uk

Vandemoortele Group takes over Gourmand Poland

The Vandemoortele Group, a Belgian food group specialising in soy products, frozen dough products and margarines and fats,has taken over Gourmand Poland, the Polish frozen bakery business of the Group Dossche.

Gourmand Poland, with a turnover of €3m in Poland and a number of other Central European countries, produces and sells frozen bakery products, of which frozen bread is the most significant in the range. In addition, the company produces frozen puff pastries, Viennese pastries and snacks.

"Thanks to its market knowledge, logistical network and typically Polish product portfolio, Gourmand Poland offers the Vandemoortele Group accelerated access to the Polish market. After the Czech Republic, where Vandemoortele is already a prominent player, Poland will be the second country in Central Europe where we want to strengthen our market position in frozen bakery products," says Eddy de Muelenaere, Managing Director of the Lipids & Dough Division of the Vandemoortele Group.
Source: polishmarket.com