Baltic Export, Foodstuff, Markets and Companies

Commenting the financial results, Leis said that although in comparison with 2008, the company had managed to slightly increase sales of chilled fish products in Finland, sales volumes in the Baltic states had fallen by approximately 15%.

"In spite of a tough year, the Baltic market showed positive trends as well. For instance, our fears that the ice-cream market could be flooded with low-quality cheap products did not come true. Premia Foods branded ice-cream still is Estonia's market leader having taken 40% of the market; besides, it is among two leading brands in Lithuania and Latvia, and the market share of Premia grows in Estonia's closest neighbouring states. There are also signs that buyers are interested in balanced quality nutrition also during the economic downturn and sales of fresh chilled fish in Estonia have remained in the 2008 level," said Kuldar Leis, the Chairman of the Management Board of Premia Foods.

Ice-cream accounts for 25% of Premia Foods sales, other frozen food products such as vegetables, dumplings, meat products, pizzas and other items account for 35%, and chilled and frozen fish products account for the remaining 40%.

The most popular brands of Premia Foods are Premia, Väike Tom, Vau, Põhjatäht, Regatt, Heimon Gourmet, Maahärra, Bueno and others.

Premia Foods employs 330 people in Estonia and 500 people in all three Baltic countries plus 100 people in Finland. The Premia Food Group includes Premia Tallinna Külmhoone, Saaremere Kala, Vettel and Gourmethouse in Estonia, Premia KPC in Lithuania, Premia FFL in Latvia and Heimon Kala in Finland.