Buende. For the third time in a row, Arnold André GmbH & Co.KG was able to increase its trading results. In the past trading year of 2010, the number of in-house produced cigars and cigarillos that were sold worldwide increased by 9.2%, from 356 million to 389 million. The import products sold in Germany totalled 27 million cigars. The long established company was able to increase the total net sales by 3.6% to 67 million euros.
As in the previous years, 2010 was also driven by export sales of brands produced in-house. In total, the company increased its exports by 16% with over 197 million sold cigars. Domestic sales amounted to a quantity of 191 million pieces, which is an increase of 3.4%. Sales in Germany totalled 219 million cigars, including imported products.
Altogether, the strategy of Arnold André – The Cigar Company has been confirmed. The managing directors Rainer Goehner and Wiljo van Maren both agree on the market evaluation. “We are able to meet all customer desires, internationally and nationally, with our balanced portfolio. Be it with the Clubmaster brand mini-formats, the convincing offers of Handelsgold for the price sensitive consumer or the luxury segment for aficionados of high quality longfillers with our Family Reserve Carlos Andre.”
Expanding the European Profile
The path of success is continuing unchecked in the important foreign markets. “In particular, France and the Iberian Peninsula have developed into an exceedingly important market for Arnold André, making up 65% of the export sales,” according to Wiljo van Maren. This 65% corresponds to total sales of 127 million cigars. France accounts for 84 million (vs. 2009 +17%), Spain for 22 million (+39%) and Portugal for 21 million (+17%). Since the beginning of the year Arnold André has a representative office in Portugal. This is the second branch in Europe, after France. Furthermore, Arnold André is also a member of the Swedish sales organisation “Tobacco House of Sweden”.
Staff increases
A total of 390 members of staff were employed at the two locations in 2010, 183 in Buende and 207 in Koenigslutter. There are 36 members of staff at the foreign branches (26 in France and 10 in Portugal).
Currently, Buende is sending positive signals to the job market. Effective 30.04.2011, the number of staff grew by 20 to 410 employees.
Clubmaster and Handelsgold are convincing
More than ever, retail and consumers are reacting very positively to offers with a convincing price-performance ratio. This is clearly seen by the increase in sales of the top brands Clubmaster (+9.3%) and Handelsgold (+13.4%). The top seller is the Clubmaster Mini Vanilla. The development of this format emphasises the observation that the consumer is still looking for smoking pleasure, even during short smoking breaks.
Stability in the difficult pipe tobacco market
The pipe tobacco market is recessing and considered difficult. Contrary to the general market trend, Arnold André is successfully holding ground with the brand Mac Baren.
Favourable perspectives in a highly competitive market
Arnold André – The Cigar Company is still well prepared for the future.
Additional vitalisation for the German market is expected with the takeover of the cigar, cigarillo and smoking accessories of the Oettinger Davidoff Group (Basel). “We continue to strengthen our position in a highly competitive market with a portfolio that is both interesting and convincing for the retail and consumer market, with in-house and import brands and with motivated and dedicated staff,” according to managing director Rainer Goehner.
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