RAISIO GROUP TO START MARGARINE PRODUCTI
Raisio Group plc Stock Exchange Release
22 April 2003 at 15.00 Finnish time
RAISIO GROUP TO START
MARGARINE PRODUCTION IN RUSSIA
The subsidiary of Raisio Group, Raisio Nutrition Ltd, has bought a
dairy in Istra, some 60 km from Moscow. The acquisition requires
an approval from the Russian Competition Authorities. Raisio
intends to transfer some existing production lines.
Raisios margarine export to Russia has collapsed from the peak
years. Main reasons for this are the 15 per cent protective duties
and strong growth of the local production supported by lower cost
base. However, at some areas in Russia, e.g. St. Petersburg and
Moscow, Raisios brands Voimix and Dolina Skandi are well known
and their market shares exceed 10 per cent.
About EUR 2 million total investment to start the production in
Russia improves significantly the competitive power of Raisio in
these markets. Margarine production is estimated to start by the
end of 2003. Raisio already has sales, marketing and distribution
organisation in Russia.
RAISIO GROUP PLC
Taru Narvanmaa
Executive Vice President, Communications and IR
Tel. +358 2 443 2240, mobile +358 50 59 09 398
Further information:
Urpo Pirilä
Executive Vice President, Raisio Nutrition
Tel. +358 2 443 2300, mobile + 358 400 539 374