Two markets, one common strategy

Two markets, one common strategy

For Pavel Mestanek, the Managing Director of Maresi Czech Republic and Maresi Slovakia, the coordination of the Maresi business in the two countries comes with similar challenges, but also with the benefits brought, especially in this period, by the high degree of digitalization. At the moment the main challenge is the expansion on new distribution channels.

How did the Maresi business develop in 2020 on the markets you coordinate?

Both on the Czech Republic and Slovakia markets, Maresi performed very well and recorded increases in both countries compared to 2019.

What is the position of Maresi on these two markets?

In both countries, Maresi is among the first five distributors on the market. We have very good references due to the co-operation in the long run with well-known global brands such as Duracell, Twinings, TABASCO and Amora & Maille. Maresi covers all the channels on both markets: modern retail, traditional trade, food service area, pharmacies and e-commerce.

How did you adapt the company’s operations to the new remote work reality?

We have fully benefited from high level of digitalization in both countries so that, for corporate internal communication, the transition to remote working was carried out seamlessly. Though in negotiations with business partners we lack the human touch, we have managed to reach all planned targets.

Which was the most important lesson of the pandemic for you?

The acceleration of digitalization for both companies, in terms of internal processes and external partners.

How did the company strategy change under the new circumstances?

We have focused more on e-commerce development whose importance increased significantly on the food segment, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

What challenges do you foresee for the businesses you manage, taking into account the new market conditions?

We must grow and strengthen e-commerce presence. Thanks to the inclusion of Duracell brand in our portfolio in 2020, one of the main expansion strategies refers to new distribution channels in electro retail and DIY areas.

How do you see the Maresi business in the Czech Republic and Slovakia evolving in 2021 and in the long run?

We shall maintain an appropriate growth pace in modern retail area and in traditional trade. After the pandemic is gone, we shall focus again on the food service channel. I estimate important increases on new distribution channels – e-commerce, electro retail, DIY – and we will also increase business levels in distribution area for the pharma segment.

Translation Supported by AB Traduceri