Dr Witt soft drinks firm now thirsting for profits

Dr Witt, the juice and soft drinks producer that took over a Braniewo-based brewery from Grupa Żywiec, is about to start acting more positively on the market. A few days ago the company launched a new production line in the brewery, bottling mineral water for hotels, restaurants and cafes. But Dr Witt's president and main shareholder, Jan Rynkiewicz, says this is not the end of the changes: "We have set up two new production lines in Braniewo to produce juices and soft drinks in cartons. They will start operating in a month. We also intend to develop our production of juice in plastic bottles, sold under new, cheaper brands." Two new brands aimed at children: Misiek and Hugo will soon be launched, as well as other Dr Witt's innovative products. Rynkiewicz said following restructuring the company should be able to post profits as soon as the end of September. In 2003 Dr Witt lost over zł.4 million with a turnover of zł.38 million. Should all its new investments and zł.44 million advertising campaign prove effective, in the following years the company's turnover may rise to up to zł.100 million. (Puls Biznesu, p. 5) D.W.