The FINANCIAL — In Paris on 16 November, three Georgian companies – Goodwill, Wissol Petroleum Georgia and EFES Georgia, will be awarded the ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ prize organized by the European Business Award, sponsored by HSBC.
The Business Award is an independent awards programme designed to recognize and promote excellence, best practice and innovation in the European Business community. This year companies from European countries Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Turkey and Israel have been presented. In total, 100 Ruban d’Honneurs have been given to the ‘crème de la crème’ of companies across Europe.
The Ruban d’Honneur is awarded to ten successful entrants in each of the award categories – The Infosys Business of the Year Award, The RSM International Entrepreneur of the Year Award, The UKTI Award for Innovation, The Award for Customer Focus, The HSBC Growth Strategy of the Year Award, The Employer of the Year Award, The Award for Corporate Sustainability, The Environmental Awareness Award and the Chairman’s Choice Award.
“This is a huge deal for Georgian companies, as they will have the opportunity to display their brand and face, as well as form new contacts and relations,” said Lado Robakidze, Deputy General Director at HSBC Georgia.
“There are several criteria in choosing the winners which include innovation, social responsibility, orientation on customers, strong financial statements as well as overcoming the financial crisis,” Robakidze added.
“Firstly, this award means European recognition as we are listed in the 100 best firms in Europe. Secondly, this is recognition of Georgian companies as three companies were named winners. Moreover, the award means that in Georgia high-level business operates. Being awarded by the organization gives us more obligations and I strongly believe we will achieve more,” said Nugzar Magularia, General Director of Goodwill.
“Wissol is a leading company in Georgia, and being awarded by the European Business Award was a successful step. This is approval of our company strategy and gives us more responsibility to be more attentive to our work,” said Vasil Khorava, General Director of JSC Wissol Petroleum Georgia.
“Out of the nominees Wissol was named socially responsible as well as one of the big employers and an innovative company, which I believe Wissol is in the Georgian market. This was partly unexpected as the demands and markets of the EU are completely different, there is higher competition in EU markets, however our company has managed to contribute a modest share and be among the nominees,” Khorava added.
“The award is equal to world recognition as we joined 100 world famous giant conglomerates of the world. We are leaders in the market and this is added to by the recognition of foreign countries,” declared Tornike Nikolaishvili, Marketing Manager at EFES Georgia.
According to Magularia, Goodwill will be expanding its chain in Tbilisi in the nearest future. Moreover, the company plans to add new production lines, mainly focusing on fish production as well as new lines that will be implemented in pastry products and cookery.
Goodwill currently generates 27.6 million EUR revenue and is the country’s biggest employer. Its success is attributed to its quality management system, customer service, extensive product range of 50,000 items, its pricing policy and constant innovation.
The Wissol Group operates the largest network of petrol stations in Georgia capturing 23% of the market share and generating over 110 million EUR revenues.
“Wissol is an innovator company which consequently means that customers are constantly awaiting news from us. Wissol offers new services to its clients each month. One of the latest achievements is the agreement with French transnational company Total which means that as well as providing oil and petroleum products the company will offer lubricating oil materials. Our clients while arriving at the station will receive a complex service for their cars,” Khorava declared.
EFES Georgia and Natakhtari, the Georgian brewing giant, generates 30 million EUR revenue, employs 300 people and has captured close to 56% of the beer market. It is the first to introduce zero-calorie lemonade and is currently second only to Coca Cola in the soft drinks market in Georgia. It has set aside 15 million USD for future investment in capacity as demand continues to rise.
The company exports to 14 countries around the world including Greece, the USA, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The share of exported lemonade makes up 30% of total production according to Nikolaishvili.
“In 2010 only Natakhtari invested 16 million USD in development of production. Moreover total investment reached 15 million USD in 2008-2009. We constantly try to develop our production, be innovative and offer different types of beer as well as lemonade. Furthermore, we support science and local municipalities,” declared Nikolaishvili.
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