Dan Burian – The Man Who Turned Smithfield’s Wholesaler Around

07.26.2011 By Mihai Adelina Elena

Dan Burian, 45, the executive who last year took the helm of Agroalim Distribution, has brought back to growth the business of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) wholesaler, after sales had fallen by more than EUR15 million when the crisis first hit at the end of 2008.

In addition, the company this year signed new distribution contracts for Mars ice cream, Transavia poultry and Meggle dairy products. Whereas in 2008-2009 Agroalim's business fell by nearly 25% (from EUR62.8 million to EUR47.4 million), in 2010, the company reported over EUR50 million in turnover, up 6% against the previous year.

Before running Agroalim, Burian headed French furniture producer Mobilenia (part of the Parisot group) for six years. He also worked in the commercial departments (sales, marketing, logistics and distribution) of companies such as Campofrio (cold cuts producer), Henkel (adhesives and construction materials producer) and fast moving consumer goods wholesaler Rom West (Wrigley division).

Agroalim Distribution, a top ten FMCG wholesaler, is part of American group Smithfield, one of the largest meat producers and processors worldwide.

The company, which has partnerships with more than 50 suppliers from all over Romania and 5,000 clients, distributes fresh and frozen meat, frozen vegetables, meat and fish ready meals, cold cuts, as well as dairy products and canned food.

Although consumer spending fell by over 5% in the first five months of this year compared with the similar period of 2010, representatives of Agroalim say the company posted "slightly" higher sales volumes than last year.

"We recorded significantly higher volume sales on the pork, poultry and fish segments. The introduction of a new product range, especially of dairy products, contributed to achieving these results."

(English version by Daniela Stoican)