Wimm-Bill-Dann acquires Essentuki mineral water plant

18/10/05 Russia, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC has announced that is had acquired 100% of the share capital of Essentuki mineral water plant at the CMW (Caucasian Mineral Waters) Ltd in the town of Essentuki (Stavropol region). Hence, the number of manufacturing facilities comprising Wimm-Bill-Dann has reached 28.

The plant currently produces Novoessentukskaya mineral water in plastic bottles, this water is well represented on the shelves of Moscow supermarket chains. Following the acquisition, Wimm-Bill-Dann is looking to further develop this brand and overhaul the current packaging. The plant's nameplate production capacity is approximately 8,000 units of 1.5 liter bottles per hour.

Over the past two years prior to the acquisition, Wimm-Bill-Dann has had a co-packing agreement with the plant for the bottling of Essentuki (1) 4, Essentuki (1) 17 and Essentuki (1) 20 in 1.5 liter plastic bottles.

Wimm-Bill-Dann has been producing Essentuki mineral water since 2003 at two production facilities, including a plant acquired by the company in September 2003, where 0.5 liter dark-green glass bottles are being manufactured, and Essentuki mineral water plant at the CMW Ltd, where plastic bottles are being produced within the framework of the co-packing agreement. Both plants are currently working at a very high capacity utilization. Following the acquisition, Wimm-Bill-Dann will increase its production of Essentuki in plastic bottles and add new successful brand Novoessentukskaya to its mineral water portfolio.