Saimaa signs contracts with federal retailers

2012-01-17



The Finnish vodka producer Saimaa Beverages Oy Ltd has concluded supply contracts with large grocery retailers operating in Russia: X5 Retail Group, Azbuka Vkusa, Auchan and Magnit. In November-December 2011 the company started deliveries of its products under the Drova and Saimaa brands to the companies’ stores.
Currently, the producer is negotiating over supplies to another four federal retailers. By 2014 it plans to reach a total supply volume of 704,000 dal.
As Retail Update Russia reported, Saimaa is to merge with the state Russian alcohol company Rosspirtprom. The two companies founded a joint concern under the name Obyedinennyye Spirtovyye Zavody (United Spirit Plants, OSZ). Rosspirtprom is to hold 51% in OSZ and the Finnish party the remainder. By 2013 the company intends to take up a market share of 3.5% in Russia, and, according to previous announcements, OSZ aims longer term at reaching a share of 5-6%.