Podravka opens DM 32 million plant with enthusiasm for market expansion

Croatian Podravka has built its first plant in Poland, located in the Kostrzyn special economical zone. The DM 32 million investment will employ 182 people. It will produce the well known condiment Vegeta, a fixture on the Polish spice market for 25 years, but also mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, soup and other instant food products. The plant is capable of producing 15,000 tons of goods per year. Witold Kolodziejczak, Sales Director of Podravka, noted that 20% of production will be allocated for export. Podravka estimates that it controls 50% of the powdered spices mar ket in Poland, in terms of the value of goods sold. The company intends to become a leader on the Polish market within a few years time. Podravka's revenues in Poland amounted to about DM 70 million last year. (Prawo i Gospodarka, p. 6)