The FINANCIAL — According to the representatives of Wissol Petroleum Georgia, the sales of Italian fuel API will increase to 50% within total sales of the company next year. API sales in 2009 reached 35%.
Wissol is an exclusive API distributor in Georgia. Italian API is one of the leading independent oil groups in integrated downstream and power generation. API covers all the downstream activities from supplying, trading of crude oil, refining, to storage and distribution. The refinery of Falconara Marittima is one of the most modern and technologically advanced refineries in the world. API is in lead position along the Adriatic coast from Venice to Toronto. Italian fuel from API has been available at Wissol branded service stations since September, 2007.
According to the company’s management, the Italian premium products’ sales growth proves that customers prefer to fill their cars with high quality fuel.
“Our customers’ attitude to high quality gas is quite remarkable. They are sure that it’s better for them to pay a bit more, and consume the latest European-standard fuel from Italy. High quality fuel product protects the metal spare parts of the car from corrosion and prolongs the lifespan of a vehicle itself,” says Samson Pkhakadze, Chairman of Wissol Supervisory Board.
Last week Wissol management introduced journalists with API sales dynamics. Italian Ambassador to Georgia Vittorio Sandalli was an honourable guest of the press conference.
As Italian Ambassador to Georgia said, he believes that the cooperation between Wissol and API is the best example of a partnership between the Italy and Georgia and that he expects trade to further increase.
“Lately trade relations between Italy and Georgia have been intensified and I hope that trade turnover will increase in parallel with overcoming the crisis,” Italian Ambassador said.
Later on at the press conference, Vittorio Sandalli revealed that the event was actually held on his birthday.
“It was a great opportunity for me to celebrate my birthday while talking about Wissol success,” Italian Ambassador said.
According to Levan Pkhakadze, Deputy Chair of Wissol Supervisory Board, Wissol will end with good financial results this year. But he claims that the results were better last year.
“The company operates the largest chain of service stations in Georgia. We enlarged the number of fuel stations despite the August war and global recession. We managed to add 10 more service stations this year. By the end of 2009 we plan to open 3 more gas stations and 18 new gas stations will be added to Wissol chain in 2010.” Levan Pkhakadze said.
Wissol Group, one of the largest commercial groups in Georgia, is the leading player in the energy sector. Since 2007 the group has been represented in the market by its sub-brands: Wissol Petroleum Georgia, Wissol Gas, Air Wissol, Wissol Bunkering and Wissol Gas Distribution Company. Wissol is the first and only oil company in Georgia which has received an ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Certificate, having held this since 2006. Number of Wissol Group employees has reached to about 2,000 people already.
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