A Happy Entrepreneur: 2011 Was Better Than 2010

10.04.2011 By Gabriel Razi

Marex Braila, with food industry and farming operations, is set to see turnover rise by 5% this year, to EUR153 million, according to Marin Moraru, the general manager and a stakeholder in the group.

"I am an atypical case, though, as I haven't been as seriously harmed by the falling consumption as other companies in industry or the car market. This year was better than 2010 in terms of sales. Moreover, we also maintained prices," says Marin Moraru, who is also one of the most powerful entrepreneurs of Braila.

The businessman's stance is different from the one he had in early 2011, when he was downbeat about this year on the credit crunch and the declining consumption. Now, the businessman says his company's turnover will also rise owing to the good agricultural year.

The entrepreneur reckons, though, he's also feeling the crisis fallout. Thus, the frail economy has forced him to shelve major investment projects, as well as development plans. The direct effect is also felt at the level of the number of employees, which has remained unchanged at around 400 people in the past two years.

While from consumption Moraru does not have high expectations, agriculture has been this year's surprise. Compared with other farmers who bet on wheat, corn or rapeseed, Moraru is focusing on rice production.

"I am a rice producer. We produced around 4,000 tons this year. Though it was a weak year at the beginning, we gained along the way and it eventually proved to be a great year".

Marin Moraru's rice crop is already heading to Italy and Turkey, where the businessman delivers production each year.

Moraru also cultivated sunflower or barley on the rest of his land, with productions rising by between 20 and 30%, according to the businessman's estimates.

Last year, Moraru's farming turnover reached EUR56.8 million, amid EUR3.7 million in profit. While farming operations bring the biggest profit among all his companies, the group's turnover will largely be brought this year by sales of cold cuts and bio-ethanol.

(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)