Darko Bajčetić, President of Administrative Board of Centroproizvod, businessman of the year - achievements in 2009

Darko Bajčetić is the President of the Administrative Board of CENTROPROIZVOD, the company that became recognizable as one of the most successful domestic companies that continuously invests in improvement of quality, technical and technological equipment, new products, education of staff and marketing.

In spite of negative effects of the global economic crisis, Centroproizvod registered the sales growth of 10% in the first half of year 2009.

Investments

In accordance with the primary goal - to become the regional leader in food industry, Centroproizvod still invests in production. At the beginning of 2009, 1m EUR was invested in reconstruction and construction of new, modern warehouses for raw materials, packaging and ready-made products. Also, refreshed motor pool has ensured faster and more economic transportation of our products to consumers.

Quality System

Application of new technical and technological achievements, state-of-the-arts units and strict control of production process have enabled constant improvement of the quality of all products. This year, the company obtained two new certificates for quality of products in accordance with global norms and production safety - ISO 22000:2005 and ISO 14001:2004, respectively, and verified ISO 9001:2008 that was introduced in 2006, which represents a big and unique success that was achieved in very short time.

Employment

Centroprozivod especially takes pride in the fact that it employs over 600 experts of various profiles and offers them the possibility of constant education, which, at the time of the crisis, provides the opportunity for young and educated people to find jobs. New job in one of the most successful domestic companies was given to 30 people at the beginning of the year. Positive trend was resumed during 2009 through participation in the programme of the Ministry of Economy - "First Chance". Within the scope of this programme, the company employed 34 trainees, which significantly contributes to development of the unemployment reduction strategy and proves that Centroproizvod has high level of awareness of the need for joining various socially responsible programmes.

Socially Responsible Operations

Even the employees of Centroproizvod give contribution to socially responsible operations of the company with their activities. In accordance with the growing need for environment protection, the employees have started the campaign for collecting secondary packaging for recycling. The remains of PET, polyprophylene and cardboard packaging, used office paper, plastic foil and toners are disposed of in special containers in order for this waste to be recycled and used again.

As a socially responsible company, "Centroproizvod" intends to offer help to institutions and individuals who need that help the most. This year, we donated products to "Organization for Cerebral Paralysis" in Niš, Foster Care Center "Jusa" and center "Ruka ruci" in Belgrade.

Awards and Certificates

Numerous awards that we received this year speak enough of the strength of company Centroproizvod and its long-term dedication to the market, business partners and consumers. Centroproizvod obtained prestigious award "Beogradski pobednik" for the results in 2008 from the Chamber of Commerce of Belgrade, which grants this award for more than 25 years to the companies and individuals who achieved significant results in development and contribution to the success of Belgrade's economy. For exceptional business results, high level of professionalism and ethics towards its business partners and clients Centroproizvod obtained prestigious award "Business Partner 2009", which is granted for more than 15 years to companies and institutions from the Southeast Europe Region for contribution in cherishing good business customs. As a proof of high quality of products, the Big Champion Cup of the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad went to company Centroproizvod this year for the fourth consecutive time in the category of soups, spices and additives.

Plans and Ambitions

Centroproizvod plans to offer its products to other markets and customers. In addition to capital investments that adapt the production to the market needs, the primary goal of the company for this and next few years year is to become the regional leader in food industry. Centroproizvod plans to increase export by 100% and start regional expansion through acquisitions in 2010.

All these awards and 60-year-long trust of consumers in brand C undoubtedly point to the fact that company Centroproizvod is on the right way to become one of the most successful regional companies, as well as to take one step further and move the boundaries of setting and achieving new goals.