The Korpi factory in Vonitsa is fully operational, with the supply of the market proceeding normally after the completion of the maintenance work carried out during the year, which resulted in a shortage in the market and for which you were first informed by FnB Daily.

CAPEX

Speaking to FnB Daily, Nestlé Waters Greece's Business Executive Officer Dimitris Hanioglou said that Nestlé's investments in Greece and specifically in the Nestlé factory will continue next year; however, he clarified that at this stage the plans are not in the maturing phase and therefore no announcements can be made. "The issue of investment is on the table, but there is a long way to go for approvals for the capex that will be available," Hanioglou said, adding that the investment plan will not only be for Korpi but also for other brands and product categories. "Every year investments are made in the water lines, and it is being put in priority order."

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

At the same time, Nestlé is also looking at the performance of water sub-categories beyond natural mineral water, observing the performance of each sub-category. While not ruling out the development of new products and looking for opportunities, the Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Waters Greece explains that, as far as water is concerned, the company is focusing on the 1 six and the 500ml 12, while the other categories are for a small segment. Even sparkling water, which, he said, is the second largest segment of the market, has a difference from the first in the sector, which is natural mineral water. "New products need new lines as well. These are always on the table, but we are looking at them, but some are moving forward and some are not. Greece is a specific market," he says.

S. PELLEGRINO

Speaking about S. Pellegrino, which this year completes 125 years in the international market, Hanioglou described it as an important brand for Nestlé that is associated with fine gastronomy. The company aims to strengthen its connection with the chef community, which is a field where both S. Pellegrino and Aqua Pana are highly engaged.