Vimto sales in MENA cross 30m mark for first time

Annual sales of Vimto in the Middle East and North Africa have crossed the 30 million bottle mark for the first time, according to the drink's Saudi-based manufacturer Aujan Industries. Driven by exceptional demand during the Holy Month of Ramadan, sales of Vimto are up by more than 20 percent year-on-year, the company said in a statement. Vimto has been the Middle East's number one Ramadan drink for more than 80 years, with sales traditionally spiking in the build-up to the Holy Month. This year. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have been the top three markets for sales of Vimto so far, while other core markets have been showing double digit growth, Aujan added. Kadir Gunduz, president & CEO, Aujan Industries, said: "In reaching the 30 million bottle milestone, Vimto has once again confirmed its status as the drink of choice during the Holy Month."Sales of Vimto have grown consistently for the past decade, driven by strong demand in established and emerging markets across the region."As we celebrate an exceptional Ramadan, we look forward to another strong year in 2012 as the brand continues to expand into new markets."Aujan Industries is the largest privately-owned, independent soft drink company in the Middle East. Operating in more than 50 countries, the company has more than 2,500 employees, a turnover of over $800 million, and is ranked among the top 100 companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Aujan Industries' well-established own brands include Rani, Barbican and Vimto. From / Arabian Business News