- Ansa -
Italian espresso coffee producer Lavazza is interested in an acquisition in Russia in order to boost its positions on the Russian market, however the Italian company has not yet launched talks with a potential partner, the general director of Lavazza, Gaetano Mele, said.Italian espresso coffee producer Lavazza is interested in an acquisition in Russia in order to boost its positions on the Russian market, however the Italian company has not yet launched talks with a potential partner, the general director of Lavazza, Gaetano Mele, said.
Lavazza is present in 80 countries worldwide and has operated in Russia through local distributors for 10 years now, Mele added. Currently the Italian coffee maker is ready to examine opportunities for an acquisition in Russia, where the coffee demand rises by some 10 pct yearly, Mele explained.
The Italian exports of roast coffee beans to Russia soared 350 pct in the five-year period from 2001 to 2006. The Lavazza exports represent between 20 pct and 25 pct of the total Italian coffee exports to Russia.
In 2006 Lavazza generated a turnover of 930 mln euro ($1.251 bln), the Italian espresso maker said.
Lavazza bought in March 2007 Indian coffee shop chain Barista and vending coffee machines distributor Fresh & Honest Cafe from Indian Sterling Infotech Group, Mele reminded.
The Italian company has also shown interest in acquisitions in Brazil and China. (