Dynamic shift from “Dodonis Ice Creams” aiming for 30% of sales to be made in international markets

The CEO of “Dodonis Ice Cream”, Charalampos Savvinos, analyzing the company’s strategic development plan during a press conference, mentioned among other things that the company has formed partnerships with Mondelez (formerly Kraft Foods) and Pharmaserv-Lilly, which produces the stevia sweetener Sweety, for the production of products that meet modern dietary needs. It has included frozen yogurt in its range, which is developing at a rapid pace, and has adjusted its prices to lower levels. Specifically, it has reduced the price of a scoop of ice cream in four flavors to 1 euro from 1.60 euros before, while every Monday and Wednesday, it offers through the Cosmote deals for you program, 2 ice creams at the price of one, without, however, as the management emphasizes, compromising on the quality of raw materials and milk, which is fresh and certified to come 100% from Greek farms. At the same time, as stated by the head of Dodonis Ice Cream, the renewal of the image of its store network is underway, and the company’s strong advertising presence continues on social media.

International Expansion

There are also ambitious plans for abroad. Emphasis will be placed on the Eastern European region, where there is fertile ground for quality ice cream and relatively low competition. This move, according to the company’s management, was also dictated by the crisis in Greece, as exports and expansion beyond borders can offset losses in the domestic market. Already, two new stores have opened in Cyprus and Bulgaria, while entry into Russia is considered a matter of time, as the agreement with a local partner for the assignment of the master franchise is expected at any moment. Similar efforts are being made for direct exports to supermarkets in Eastern and Western Europe, as the ultimate goal is for international sales to account for 30% in the coming years, up from just 5% today.

Store Network

It should be noted that “Dodonis Ice Cream” was founded in 1967, alongside the former cooperative dairy industry Dodonis, and today it is the largest Greek ice cream company, with a 25% share in bulk ice cream. It employs 350 people and has the largest gelateria store network with 85 points, while its products are available in another 118 points that sell exclusively Dodonis ice cream. It exports to England and Germany, while last year its turnover reached 10.2 million euros and EBITDA amounted to 1.75 million euros, while this year it is expected to reach 12 million euros and 1.8 million euros, respectively.

By Giorgos Manettas

This email address is protected from spambots. To view it, you must have JavaScript enabled