Papoutsanis: The prospects and the answer for a possible opening in sunscreens and detergents

of Matinas Harkoftaki

Opening up to foreign markets and agreements with large hotel complexes and multinational groups, Papoutsanis remains committed to its strategic planning, which includes high growth rates, further strengthening of its commercial footprint both inside and outside the country, as well as expanding its product. portfolio.

“As we have doubled our sales in the last 3 years, our goal is to continue with a corresponding growth in the coming years”, underlined the CEO of the listed company Menelaos Tasopoulos in the context of informing the institutional analysts regarding its financial performance last year but and the outlook for the current financial year, which, as he characteristically said, initially seemed to have less suspense than the previous ones, however, it is evolving, so far, perhaps worse in terms of uncertainty about what will happen on the international scene in general due to geopolitical challenges, energy, raw materials and transport.

“Nevertheless, we believe that if things do not derail further, we will be able to meet these challenges and 2022 will be a satisfactory year in terms of development and financial results for the company,” said Mr. Tasopoulos.

In terms of categories, Papoutsanis continues to enrich and expand the range of branded products (Karavaki, Aromatics, Natura), opening up to new categories while also planning the implementation of a series of promotional programs aimed at strengthening its position in the retail channel. .

Answering a question about whether Papoutsanis is considering opening up to different categories in relation to those we are used to, such as that of sunscreens and detergents, Mr. Tasopoulos clarified by saying:

“There is no thought about sunscreens, at least at this stage of our lives, while in terms of products related to household items, I consider that they are closer to us” and added: “Now about what exactly new products we will launch, this is not yet announced “.

Zero exposure in Russia and Ukraine

In terms of its activity, which is related to the partnerships it has developed with hotel groups (it represented 13% of the turnover in 2021), the head of the listed company estimates that it will move at very good levels, hoping that this year if not will surpass but will certainly reach the levels of 2019.

Regarding the production of products for third parties (50% of the turnover), an activity that includes important collaborations with multinational groups, plans to further strengthen the existing ones while at the same time it is in exploratory discussions for the possibility of concluding new collaborations.

In addition, the Greek industry is one of the largest players in Europe in the production of soap mass (17% of turnover), where sales are developing normally, a course which is expected to continue this year.

Papoutsanis has a strong export activity with exports in 2021 accounting for 62% of total sales compared to 50% in 2020. Despite the strong export character, the listed company, as Mr. Tasopoulos clarified, has zero exposure in Russia and Ukraine.

“The company does not have direct exposure both in terms of sales and supply of raw materials from the two specific countries, however there is an indirect impact from the increase in the cost of energy and oils,” he said.

Finally, it should be noted that Papoutsanis saw its turnover increase by 34% last year, reaching 55 million euros compared to 41 million euros in 2020, while in relation to the domestic market last year there was a decline in sales of antiseptics, which had a significant share in its turnover in the previous financial year.

At the same time he managed to maintain the first place in the category of antiseptic and solid soap while he was in the second place in the category of cream soap.