The relative strengthening of the position of Vrumona, which amongst other things
is a consequence of drastic improvements in the technical and commercial sphere,
enables us to look forward to the future with confidence.
Spirits
During the year under review the domestic turnover as well as the exports of spirits
by our concern showed a very satisfactory growth. In particular sales of the Bokma
and Coebergh brands contributed towards this.
A start was also made on intensification of the marketing effort with regard to the
Hoppe brand.
We are naturally seeking to enlarge our present market share in spirits by means of
our own brands. In addition, we remain open to forms of co-operation in this sector
of the Netherlands market for drinks.
Via Coebergh B.V., of Schiedam, which company now fully belongs to the concern,
a number of agencies in foreign spirits for the Netherlands market were acquired.
In this connection we may particularly mention Seagram's Overseas Limited.
The export activities for spirits and beer take place on a combined basis.
Wine
With B.V. Bestuurs-Maatschappij J. A. van Olffen, of Hattem, we reached agreement
regarding the complete incorporation of this enterprise in our concern.
Our interests in the Rotterdam wine business of M. Reuchlin Zn. B.V. were
extended.
The sales of wine by Coebergh B.V., though still on a modest scale, proceeded very
satisfactorily.
Distribution
During the past financial year further interests were acquired in a number of whole
salers. It remains our aim to bring about these participations in future both in cases
where the independent wholesale trade itself seeks such participation and in cases
where this is of material importance to the concern in order to protect the pattern
of turnover in the Hotel and Restaurant market.
With regard to the wholesalers which are managed by ourselves, we of course
consider it as a primary task to achieve a further increase in efficiency.
Production
Important extensions were completed in the brewery at 's-Hertogenbosch in the
storage cellar and the bottling plant.
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