Macedonian Food Co Vitaminka Opens 5.5 Mln Euro New Production Unit

The new unit, which was opened on October 11, has a production capacity 2,000 tonnes of soft cakes per year, of which 60% to 65% are intended for the domestic market and the remainder is to be exported, Vitaminka said in a statement to the Macedonian Stock Exchange (MSE), where the company is listed.

Vitaminka's main export markets include the former Yugoslav republics of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia and Serbia, where it has traditionally strong market positions.

Company officials were not immediately available to give more details.

EBRD said last year it lent Vitaminka four million euro to expand its product portfolio and grow further in southeastern Europe.

Vitaminka AD Prilep posted a 5.4% annual rise in its half-year preliminary net profit to 17.19 million denars ($376,149/ 279,448 euro).

The company’s principal offerings include snack products, chocolate and cocoa products, soft cakes, as well as ketchup, mayonnaise, soups, sauces, spices and food additives. It also offers a range of instant beverage products, syrups and filter teas.

Vitaminka (www.vitaminka.com.mk) has been licensed by Slovenian food processing company Kolinska, part of Slovenian group Droga Kolinska, to manufacture its products.

($=0.7429 euro)