Shumen District Court entered in the trade register Ficosota Syntez Ltd. with head office based in Shumen, 10, P. Volov St., fl. 10, and subject of activity: trade with industrial goods, semi-finished goods, raw materials, production, purchase for the purpose of sale; production, processing and trade with agricultural production, foreign-trade activity, re-export, trade representation and mediation; transport in the country and abroad; shipping, warehouse and leasing activity; commission trade, hotel and restaurant management, exploitation of administrative buildings, advertising, tourist services in the country and abroad, engineering and marketing; construction, purchase and furnishing of real estate for the purpose of sale. The company's capital is BGN 50 000. The company's partners are Mr. Zhechko Angelov Kyurkchiev, Mr. Krasen Angelov Kyurkchiev, Mr. Stefan Georgiev Stefanov and Mr. Petar Dimitrov Minchev. It is represented by the Manager Mr. Stefan Georgiev Stefanov.
Source: State Gazette (11.04.1995)

Shumen District Court entered in the Trade Register changes concerning Ficosota Syntez Ltd. - Shumen: enters the new partner Ficosota Ltd. - Shumen; enters a change in the company's statute; the company shall be managed and represented by the partners Mr. Stefan Georgiev Stefanov and Mr. Petar Dimitrov Minchev jointly and separately.
Source: State Gazette (29.07.1998)

Shumen District Court entered in the Trade Register changes concerning Ficosota Syntez Ltd. - Shumen: change of the head office and address of management from Shumen 10, Panayot Volov St. to Shumen, 48, Madara Blvd.; enters increase of the company's capital from BGN 50 000 to BGN 5 000 000; enters changes in the company's statute.
Source: State Gazette (02.09.1998)

According to data from the household panel of Gallup International, since the end of 1998, 7 companies represented by 15 brands are active participants with over 4 per cent of the market. The undisputed leader among them is Hayat Chimia with the brands Test and Bingo. Their share constitutes almost 29 per cent of the purchases of washing powders. Regardless of the smaller amounts of bought products, Procter&Gamble holds 20 per cent of the market with the classic brands Ariel and Tide. A successful Bulgarian producer also participates here. This is Ficosota. It managed to introduce the brands Eho and Tema in 12 per cent of the Bulgarian households.
Source: Pari (14.04.1999)

For the fifth time in a row the Made in Bulgaria Union granted the awards Golden and Silver Lion to the best local producers of the year. The Shumen-based company Ficosota was awarded with Golden Lion for the production of oil radiator TESY. The company provides work for 600 people. Its production is well-accepted in the countries from EU, it is a holder of ISO 9001 certificate for quality.
Source: Pari (01.12.1999)

USD 1.5 million will be invested by Ficosota Ltd. in the introduction of a new line for production of washing powder by the end of May, this year. This was announced by the President of the Shumen-based company Mr. Zhechko Kyurkchiev. The company is a leader among the Bulgarian producers of washing and cleaning detergents. Besides, the release of two new types of water-heaters is a part of the company's production program for the year 2000. The electric oil radiators TESY, are exported to 11 countries.
Source: Pari (07.01.2000)

A certificate for quality of the production ISO 9001 received the company from Shoumen Fikosota Ltd. The document was received from the European Committee for Quality and it is valid up to 31 March 2003. The certification is for design and manufacture of home electric appliances, powders and soaps. The company is known on the Bulgarian and international market with the radiators and boilers with the trade mark Tesi, with the washing powders Eho and Tema and with the shampoos Teo and Tete-a-tete.
Source: Shumenska zarya (10.06.2000)

Shumen District Court enters changes concerning Ficosota Syntez Ltd. - Shumen: denominates the capital from BGN 5 000 000 to BGN 5 000; increases the capital from BGN 5 000 to BGN 201 000; enters changes in the statute; the company is represented and managed by the partners Mr. Krasen Angelov Kyurkchiev, Mr. Stefan Georgiev Stefanov and Mr. Petar Dimitrov Minchev jointly and separately.
Source: State Gazette (04.08.2000)

Ficosota Syntez Ltd has been equipped with a modern Italian installation for the production of any type of powder and granule cleansing and washing products, was announced by the manager of the Shoumen-based company Mr. Stefan Stefanov. The assembly will be executed by the company Vodno Stroitestvo - Shoumen and will end within 20 days. This is the only automated equipment of this sort in Bulgaria.The quality of the production will improve greatly.
Source: Pari (14.09.2000)

There are only seven large companies, which offer washing powder at the Bulgarian market. The three world mastodons in the consumer goods sector - Procter&Gamble (P&G), Unilever and Henkel are selling their production with different success. The Bulgarian production is represented by a new company - Ficosota, and by the former monopolist - Verila. A large number of workshops of regional importance are manufacturing cheap production, made of Turkish raw materials. Until recently, the leader on the market was the Turkish company Hayat.
Source: Capital (16.09.2000)

The serious world companies such as Procter&Gamble, Unilever and Henkel are in competition on the Bulgarian market for soap powders. The greatest competition is in the economic part of the Bulgarian consumers. There the interest of the foreign producers confront those of the Bulgaria. The leader is Bonux (Procter&Gamble), followed by Test (Hayat) and Dero (Unilever). The reason for this classification is that the consumers are ready to pay 10 per cent higher price and to receive 20 per cent higher quality.
Source: Capital (16.09.2000)

Shumen District Court entered a change concerning Ficosota Syntez Ltd. - Shumen: the activity "advertisement" is written off the subject of activity; enters Ficosota Holding JSC - Shumen as a new partner; enters changes in the statute; terminates the participation in the company of the partners Mr. Zhechko Angelov Kyurkchiev and Mr. Krasen Angelov Kyurkchiev.
Source: State Gazette (03.11.2000)

The first of its kind in Bulgaria installation for manufacture of washing powder was released in exploitation by Fikosota company. The equipment is a product of the Italian company Balestra. It has been used in Europe for the past 5-6 years. In the installation are invested about USD 2 million and a part of the sum is a credit, granted by the Bulgarian-American Investment Fund. By the new installation the company will raise the quality of its products without lifting the price.
Source: Sega (16.11.2000)

The investment for the launching of the new Italian line for production of washing preparations in Fikosta sintez Ltd. will cost USD 2 million. 80 per cent of the invested funds are own incomes and 20 per cent are from a bank credit, stated the Executive Director of Fikosta holding JSC Mr. Zhechko Kujrkchiev. The modern technic is used at the moment in 28 biggest companies in the branch of the washing preparations. The whole automated installation is equipped with computers and this will require a personnel of several workers. At the line will be produced mainly washing preparations from the popular marks Echo and Tema. The capacity will be 3.5 per hour. The company realizes an export in Ukraine, Moldova and Macedonia. The ambitions of the Management of the holding are to be increased the the market share in the State from 10 to 20-25 per cent.
Source: Pari (23.11.2000)

More than BGN 103 million were invested in TV advertisement over the period January-November 2000. This was announced by the monitor of the social agency Market Test.. The company that spent the largest amount of money for TV advertisement is Procter&Gamble. Its competitor Unilever holds the number four position. Two beer companies hold the number two and three positions. Ficosota Syntez is number ten with an advertisement budget of DEM 1 069 591.99, serviced by the media agencies Pierro 97, Shampionite - Young&Rubicam.
Source: Capital (01.12.2000)

Shumen District Court registered changes for Fikosota Sintes Ltd. As partners are registered Mr. Zhechko Kiurkchiev and Mr. Krasen Kiurkchiev. The participation in the company of the partner Fikosota Ltd. Shumen is ceased.
Source: State Gazette (02.01.2001)

Shumen District Court registered changes for Fikosota Sintes Ltd. . The participation in the company of the partners Mr. Zhechko Kiurkchiev and Mr. Krasen Kiurkchiev is ceased.
Source: State Gazette (02.01.2001)

USD 1.5 million will be invested by Ficosota Ltd. in the introduction of a new line for production of washing powder by the end of May, this year. This was announced by the President of the Shumen-based company Mr. Zhechko Kyurkchiev. The company is a leader among the Bulgarian producers of washing and cleaning detergents. Besides, the release of two new types of water-heaters is a part of the company's production program for the year 2000. The electric oil radiators TESY, are exported to 11 countries.
Source: Pari (07.01.2001)

The advertising agency MAG Advertising, which will most probably service the press-advertisement of the second GSM-operator, is of Varna origin. The company entered the Sofia market in 1998. The clients of MAG are mostly Bulgarian companies, such as the factory for sugar products Pobeda - Burgas, the distributor of Panasonic for Bulgaria, K&K and the pension company Nuton Power. The Shumen-based company Ficosota Syntez, producer of the household cosmetics Eho and Tema, was a client of MAG for many years.
Source: Capital (01.04.2001)

Over the first six months of 2001, the fifty biggest TV advertisers invested BGN 48 752 559 in advertisement, according to the monitor of Market Test Agency. There are considerable changes in the "golden ten" compared to last year. Procter&Gamble and Unilever are leaders in the list. They are the main competitors on the market of cosmetic products and washing powder. Other two competitors hold the number three and four position - the breweries Interbrew and Brewinvest. The producer of Kamenitza, Astika, Pleven and Burgasko (Interbrew) leads with 23 per cent more investments in TV advertisement than Brewinvest (Zagorka, Ariana and Amstel). Nestle and Ficosota Syntez have less investments for advertisement this year. The budgets of Danone and Henkel are optimized.
Source: Capital (01.07.2001)

Two new series of toilet soaps were released on the market by Ficosota syntez Ltd. This was announced from the Shumen-based company, which is a leader in the production of soaps in Bulgaria. The brand Teo will have different bouquet flavors. Teo were released on the market with actualized package design. The monthly production of toilet soaps in Ficosota syntez Ltd. is around 200 tons. The company works at its full capacity, since there is extremely large interest in its production. Part of the soaps are exported to Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia and Macedonia.
Source: Pari (02.07.2001)

None of the nine companies , which bought the documents for auction for privatization of 57 per cent of Alen Mak - Plovdiv , have payed the deposit of USD 300 000.rUBELA JSC - Rudozem , BNP Pariba Bulgaria JSC - Sofia , Alen Mak Cosmetics LTD - Plovdiv , Fikosota Holding LTD - Shumen , Alenma JSC - Sofia , Fikosota Sintez - Shumen , Magnolia 99 SP LTD -Plovdiv and Evajp _ Turkey are interested in the auction. The chief executive of Alenma JSC Ms. Antonina Hekimova announced that they did not file an offer because the leaders of NDSV wanted to stop the privatization of companies with national meaning.
Source: BTA (03.07.2001)

Ficosota Syntez Ltd is founded in 1994 with main subject- manufacturing and distribution of detergents for bottling and food industry. Then the company starts to produce washing powder, household detergents, shampoos and soaps. The brands which are known on the Bulgarian market are ÒÅÌÀ and ÅÕÎ for washing powders, which hold 10% of the Bulgarian market at the moment, FEYA and ÅÕÎ for detergents - about 33% and ÒÅÎ and Tete-a-tete for soaps (over 30% of the Bulgarian market), also liquid soap under the same trade mark and shampoo - over 15% market share. The quoted data are accordingly last research made by Gfk. The company own fully automatic bar soap finishing line, set-up and successfully commissioned by company SELA Maschinen - Germany. The line is rated for 1 ton per hour. Ficosota posses NTD Plant, manufactured and started-up by the Italian company BALLESTRA, for production of Detergent Powders. The plant has a capacity of 3.5 tons per hour. In addition our company own two filling lines for liquids. One of them is produced by HENKEL in 1996 and other is produced by Bulgarian company in 2000. The lines have a total capacity of 2.5 tons per hour. Ficosota Syntez Ltd is certified under the Quality control system ISO 9001.
Source: Company information (11.10.2001)

The product group of Ficosta sintez became larger after the company invested about USD 2 million in the renew of its technologic capacities. The capacity of the company increased several times and its new products place it among the leading Bulgarian producers in the branch. All products are exported to Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Ukraine, Moldova and Romania.
Source: Pari (13.11.2001)

21 applicants have purchased documentary for participation for privatization of 57 per cent of Alen Mak. The initial price of the company was USD 3.95 million and deposit for participation - USD 300 000. The deadline for applying the offers is 3 December. Among the companies interested in the biggest Bulgarian company for cosmetics and Ficosota syntez, Rubella, BNP Pariba-Bulgaria, Colgate International. Among the former participants in the competitions for the privatization of Alen Mak are EPIK-Bulgaria, owner 22 per cent of the enterprise and Alenma of the former Executive Director Mrs. Antonina Hekimova.
Source: Standart (28.11.2001)

Two Bulgarian producers started sales in the newly opened hypermarkets of Metro in Moscow. These are Ficosota and Aroma. According to the two companies, Metro is an additional and safe channel for sales in Russia. The holding Fikosota has experience in Russia in the sales of radiators and boilers. Now the company is a debutant at the Russian market of consumers' chemical products through Metro.
Source: Capital (11.01.2002)

Shumen District Court announced that Ficosota syntez Ltd. submitted its annual accounting report for the year 2000 in the Trade Register.
Source: State Gazette (22.01.2002)

Shumen District Court registered a change for Ficosota - Syntez - Ltd., Shumen: the company will be managed and represented by the newly selected Trade Manager Mr. Zhechko Kyurkchiev and the former Co-Managers Mr. Krasen Kyurkchiev, Mr. Stefan Stefanov and Mr. Petar Minchev.
Source: State Gazette (22.01.2002)

A new automated line for packing of soaps was launched in Ficosota Syntez in Shoumen. The value of the automated line is BGN 800 000. It has a capacity of 350 soaps per minute. The capacity of the former Bulgarian machinery was 80 soaps per minute.
Source: Pari (23.06.2003)

Shumen-based company Ficosota Syntez invested BGN 800 000 in new automated line for bar soap packaging. This was announced by the company’s Marketing Director Ms. Tanya Georgieva. She explained, that after the new equipment is installed, the company will increase its production capacity from 80 to 350 bar soaps per minute. The line, bought by Ficosota Syntez, is made and installed by the Italian company Guerze, added Ms. Georgieva.
Source: Dnevnik (03.07.2003)

Competition Protection Commission imposed a BGN 10 000 fine on Ficosota Syntez – Shumen. The reason is that Ficosota Syntez published ads in some daily issues for a game, organized by the company promising 100 Samsung washing machines.
Source: Pari (10.12.2003)

Shoumen District Court registered a change for Ficosota Syntez Ltd. Shoumen: registers new registered office and principal place of business in Shoumen, 6 Benkovska Str.
Source: State Gazette (12.12.2003)

18 Bulgarian and international companies established the first company for recycling of package wastes EcoPack Bulgaria. The shareholders in the new group are companies such as Coca Cola HBC Bulgaria, Danone-Serdika, Devin, Unilever Bulgaria, TetraPack Bulgaria, Shumensko Pivo, Agrima, Gotmar, ITD, Link, Florina Bulgaria, Pobeda, Ficosota Syntez, Sars Group, Prista Oil, Kaven Iradis, Ganchev and Herti.
Source: Cash (05.03.2004)

According to the local companies’ registers, now there are over 500 companies with Bulgarian participation in Romania. Five or six companies with Bulgarian capitals are being registered in the country a week, trade attache in Bucharest, Mr. Atanas Stamov, said. With its 23 million population Romania is the biggest country in the region. This is reason why it is the Balkan favourite of the multinational companies in the sector of fast-selling consumer goods. Kalvacha Engineering has been exporting and installing equipment for gas stations to Romania for three years. The company has built some 120 gas stations so far. “The installations, except the tanks, are made in our Stara Zagora-based factory. We are penetrating in the market thanks to our reasonable prices, which are higher than those of the Romanian competitors but lower than the Italian and the German ones,” Stoycho Darvingov from Kalvacha Engineering said.
Source: Capital (29.11.2004)

Shoumen District Court registered changes for Ficosota Syntez LTD – Shoumen: Mr. Zhechko Angelov Kyurkchiev and Mr. Krasen Dimitrov Kyurkchiev were registered as partners; Mr. Petar Dimitrov Minchev and Mr. Stefan Georgiev Stefanov were discharged as company’s managers; the company shall be managed and represented by Zhechko Angelov Kyurkchiev and Mr. Krasen Dimitrov Kyurkchiev together and individually, amendments in company’s contract of incorporation were registered.
Source: State Gazette (18.02.2005)

Top 50 of the biggest TV advertisers for 2004 ¹ Advertiser Budget Media Agency Ad agency 1 Procter&Gamble 21 242 380 MediaSZenith Grey Worldwide, Ideo Saatchi & Saatchi 2 Coca-Cola Company 10 275 520 Zenith Advertising and Communications McCann Erickson, Noble Graphics Creative Studio (Cappy) 3 Unilever 9 025 378 Ogilvy&Mather (MindShare) Lowe Swing, Ogilvy&Mather (Êàëèàêðà, Dove) 4 Nestle 8 149 189 Huts/Spot Thompson, Universal McCann DDB Sofia, Huts/Spot Thompson, McCann Erickson 5 Wrigley's 7 297 027 Graffiti BBDO Graffiti BBDO 6 Kraft Jacobs Suchard 6 903 153 Ogilvy&Mather (MindShare) Huts/Spot Thompson, Ogilvy&Mather 7 Golden Brayan (Lepten Gold) 6 173 438 8 Mtel 5 897 292 Marketing communication, Argenta Demner, Merlicek&Bergmann 9 Brewinvest 5 849 143 Graffiti BBDO, Huts/Spot Thompson, Ogilvy&Mather (Zagorka, Ariana) Graffiti BBDO, Huts/Spot Thompson 10 Henkel 5 520 428 DDB Sofia DDB Sofia, Graffiti BBDO, TBWA\ Sofia 11 Ficosota Syntez 4 970 075 OptiMedia Bulgaria K+K advertising è marketing 12 Vinprom - Peshtera 4 693 035 MediaSZenith Euro RSCG Sofia (Black ram, 6-th Sence), Huts/Spot Thompson, NewMomentNewIdeas, Ogilvy&Mather (Persona), TBWA\Sofia 13 Globul 4 615 093 SUN Media Fresh Club Advertising, MAG Adveretising, Noble Graphics Creative Studio (b-connect) 14 SIS Industries 4 382 658 Directly DDB Sofia, Lowe Swing (Savoy Golden Club Whisky), Noble Graphics Creative Studio, Ogilvy&Mather (Karnobatska grozdova) 15 Carlsberg (Shumensko, Pirinsko) 3 518 033 Zenith Advertising and Communications Publicis MARC Advertising (Pirinsko), Noble Graphics Creative Studio (Øóìåíñêî) 16 Interbrew 3 450 446 Universal McCann Euro RSCG Sofia (Kamenitza), Lowe Swing 17 Danone 3 466 172 The Champions/Y&R Euro RSCG Sofia, The Champions/Y&R 18 Germanos 2 931 369 DDB Sofia DDB Sofia 19 Beiersdorf 2 527 190 Piero 97 Cress, TBWA\ Sofia 20 SC Johnson 2 484 396 Mediamark/ZenithOptimedia 21 Berlin Chemie 2 401 455 Ogilvy&Mather (MindShare) 22 Colgate Palmolive 2 237 982 Argent, Marketing communications 23 Laboratoires Garnier 2 223 132 Mediamark/ZenithOptimedia Publicis MARC Advertising 24 Allianz Bulgaria Holding 2 011 387 Graffiti BBDO Graffiti BBDO 25 Chipita Bulgaria 1 701 405 DDB Sofia Huts/Spot Thompson 26 Glaxo SmithKline 1 665 346 OptiMedia Bulgaria, Universal McCann Grey Worldwide, K+K Advertising and marketing, Ogilvy&Mather (Panadol) 27 First Investment Bank1 650 880 Marketing communications Grey Worldwide, KIWI Advertising, Ogilvy&Mather 28 DZI/ Roseximbank 1 540 325 Directly TBWA\ Sofia 29 Aroma 1 527 822 The Champions/Y&R The Champions /Y&R 30 Clairol 1 457 598 MediaSZenith Leo Burnett Sofia 31 Master Foods 1 410 198 Grey Worldwide Graffiti BBDO, TBWA\Sofia 32 Diltour 1 399 094 Ogilvy&Mather (MindShare) N/A 33 Agrima Holding 1 396 913 Graffiti BBDO Graffiti BBDO 34 Rubella 1 300 820 Zenith Advertising and Communications 35 Ficosota 1 203 150 OptiMedia Bulgaria K+K Advertising and Marketing 36 Schwarzkopf 1 174 482 DDB Sofia DDB Sofia, TBWA\Sofia 37 Gillette 1 110 959 Ogilvy&Mather (MindShare) Ogilvy&Mather 38 Bank DSK 1 067 627 Business Data/FCB, Mediamark/ZenithOptimedia Mediamark, Interpartners, Publicis MARC Advertising 39 Stambouli 1 059 612 Piero 97 Cress 40 BTC 1 033 679 MediaSZenith NewMomentNewIdeas 41 Ellite Bulgaria 965 244 Directly, Argenta N/A 42 Maccar 952 237 Directly N/A 43 Ricochet 925 605 Argent, Marketing communicatios 44 Allied Domecq 917 918 Mediamark/ZenithOptimedia, Ogilvy&Mather (Tullamore Dew) Euro RSCG Sofia (Finlandia), Publicis MARC Advertising (Ballantine's), Ogilvy&Mather (Tullamore Dew) 45 McDonald's 912 427 DDB Sofia DDB Sofia 46 Alexandra Films 889 414 Directly, Piero 97 N/A 47 Sinhron Invest 868 596 SUN Media N/A 48 L`Oreal 806 011 Universal McCann McCann Erickson 49 The Boots Company Pls. 786 813 McCann Erickson McCann Erickson 50 Sarantis Bulgaria 782 956 Marketing communication N/A
Source: Capital (12.03.2005)

In 2004, the Bulgarian cosmetics market registered stable growth of just over 5.0% in current value terms to reach BGN 287 million, following an equally strong performance in 2003, a survey carried out by Euromonitor showed. Demand for cosmetics is increasing. The country turns out to be the only one in CEE where the leaders on the market are local companies instead of large multinational companies. In the last several years, however, foreign companies become more and more aggressive and it will become increasingly difficult for the Bulgarian firms to maintain their market shares. Bulgarian producers hold between 40% and 50% share in the different categories of products. The stake that local firms control in the sales of such products is even higher and reaches up to 80% in the segment for hair dyes and shaving products. Some 65% of the toothpaste sales in Bulgaria are still being generated by local producers. Acording to Euromonitor, the increased sales in the sector came as a result of the fact that consumer purchasing power has risen in recent years, with cosmetics and toiletries increasingly considered as everyday necessities. The undisputed leader on the local market is Aroma. Rubella, Rosa Impex, Alen Mak and Fikosota hold top positions in various categories of products. On the other hand, constant exposure to advertising and information, and thus global trends, has resulted in growing awareness among consumers of the possible uses for cosmetics and toiletries. As a result many complementary offerings, such as facial masks, tonics and men's skin care products, have entered or been launched in the Bulgarian market, creating possibilities for further growth in future.
Source: Pari (09.09.2005)

Three companies are to receive the Golden Compass Award for being best selling companies abroad in the contest Home Products are Trendy, Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) announced. A total of 26 proposals have been received in BIA. The jury, including members of BIA, of Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Employers Union, chose 9 companies to compete in the three categories. The nominated companies in the Consumer Goods category are Aroma JSC, Ideal Standard Bulgaria JSC, Ficosota Syntez LTD. KET JSC, Monbat JSC, and Prista Oil JSC are nominated in the Industrial goods category. Aroma JSC, D&L Diel LTD, and Ideal Standard Bulgaria JSC will compete in the tthird category.
Source: Dnevnik (21.12.2005)

Ficosota Syntez Ltd., Monbat JSC and Diel Sport JSC won the Golden Compass Award for Bulgaria's best selling companies abroad in the contest Made in Bulgaria is in Fashion. This was the first edition of the contest, organized by the Ministry of Finance. The winner in the category Consumer Goods is Ficosota Syntez, producer of detergents and cosmetics. Its turnover for 2005 is BGN50m (EUR26m). Monbat JSC, one of Bulgaria's biggest producers of batteries for motor vehicles, won the Golden Compass Award in the Industrial Goods category. The company exports 80 percent of its output. Its turnover on the German market for 2005 has grossed EUR2m and its production is exported also to Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and Romania. The producer of sports clothing items Diel Sport won the Special Award of the Journalists. Diel Sport sells its clothes on four continents in more than thirty countries. Its investment program is for EUR8m.
Source: Darik Radio (22.12.2005)

Ficosota Syntez (FS) acquired the assets and brands of the Ukraine-based company UPP – specialized in pads manufacture and holding 8-9 per cent of the Ukraine market. This is the first step of the FS’s long-term plan for expanding company’s presence at the Ukrainian market. FS expects to register sales Ukraine of USD 20 mln this year.
Source: Company information (17.04.2006)

Ficosota-Syntez, the Bulgarian maker of household cleaners, body care and laundry products, has bought the assets and the Angels brand of Ukrainian producer of feminine protection products UPP, Dnevnik learned from a company executive. UPP controls 8-9% of the Ukrainian market and the balance sheet value of its assets is $5.24 mln, said Ilina Racheva, head of the household cleaners division of the Bulgarian company. Ficosota-Syntez acquired machinery, equipment and stocks of finished goods but none of UPP's buildings or outstanding liabilities, said Racheva. The buyer will continue to market the UPP products in Ukraine under the popular Angels brand. The UPP deal is part of Ficosota's long-term plan for further penetration of the Ukrainian market. 'We are already in talks to buy another 2 companies for household care products in Ukraine. The results from the negotiations will become known within 2 months,' said the company official. Ficosota-Syntez operates 3 factories in Shumen for the production of soap, feminine sanitary pads and laundry detergents. The company owns controlling shares in 2 Ukrainian makers of liquid home cleaners. Ficosota-Syntez, which posted a turnover of 75 mln levs in 2005, holds 35-40% of the Bulgarian market for home care products.
Source: Dnevnik (25.04.2006)

Developments in the detergent market surprised analysts unpleasantly. Lots of the were expecting, less than a year ago, that it would be stable and mark significant growth. Sales volume grew indeed, but at the cost of the prices. Five companies hold over 50% of the detergent sales in the country. Of them, only one is domestic, while the rest are daughter companies of global leaders. Ficosota Syntez LTD, Procter & Gamble-Bulgaria SPLTD, Hayat Bulgaria Chemical LTD, Unilever Bulgaria SPLTD, and Henkel-Bulgaria SPLTD are the key players, which make the rules. Only two companies produce parts of their assortment in the country. The pace of market growth in the sector underwent major changes in the last few years. The analysts expect that it will slow and calm down in the couple of years to come. The reason would be that it has entered the so called mature phase. The growth since last year is only 3%. Whereas the sales volume has grown, the prices have dropped seriously. Experts comment that this is a key sign of the slowing down of the market. Sales data for 2003 marked a stable growth of 7%. Naturally, the situation then was not the same and the detergent market was denoted as badly developed, and such markets grow quickly. About 54% of the sales then were attributed to laundry detergents, whereas the other major group sold was that of washing detergents. These categories are considered – both now and always – first necessity stocks. The low development of the sector gave good grounds for the entering of new products, little known or never before sold. Fabric Softeners Currently, fabric softeners, which were one of those new stocks until recently, hold a tenth of the laundry detergent market and show greatest growth rates for the past year. Data from a study of TNS BBSS Gallup about the use of housewife goods about the third quarter of 2004 showed that softener sales exhibit a 17% growth rate in comparison with the previous year. The growth of sales for the branch overall has grown 7%, whereas the sales of laundry and cleansing detergents have grown only 0.9%. Despite the introduction of new goods with better qualities and the intensified advertising activity, the products that sell most remain the laundry detergents and the dish-washing detergents.
Source: Cash (25.08.2006)

Bulgarian business last in innovations The Bulgarian business is last in innovations in Europe, a specialised survey of Eurostat shows. Only 16% of Bulgarian companies have introduced innovative products or services or implemented more efficient production processes. In Romania, the share is 20%. More than 42% of the companies in the industrial and service sectors in EU-27 implemented innovations in 2002-4. Germany is first in innovative products and processes (65% of companies), followed by Austria (53%), Denmark, Ireland and Luxembourg (52%), and Belgium (51%). Eurostat's rating data also show that the towns and villages in Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are the poorest in the EU. Three of 15 regions in grave economic depression are in Bulgaria.
Source: Pari (01.03.2007)

New Contract for Ficosota Syntez Naftex Engineering JSC launches the construction of a workshop for manufacture of hygienic products of Ficosota Syntez Ltd. in Shumen. The new building will provide manufacture of sanitary materials in compliance with the effective legal requirements by Bulgarian and European standards. The workshop is situated on an area of 1800 square meters and the civil works are expected to be completed in September this year.
Source: Company information (18.03.2007)

Ficosota, the Shumen-based maker of household heating appliances and water heaters, said it has rebranded itself to Tesy to take advantage of the overwhelming success of the eponymous product line. The company said it invested over BGN 4 mln in the promotion of the Tesy brand over the past four years. The campaign was so successful that the brand recognition for Tesy dwarfed the popularity of the parent company name. In addition, there is the confusing association with Ficosota Syntez, a local producer of house cleaners which is not related to Ficosota in any way. The Tesy brand is registered in 48 countries, including Russia, the Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Denmark, Argentina and Japan. The company ships water heaters to 20 countries and heaters to over 50 countries on 5 continents. The company plans to expand by the end of 2007 the market share of the Tesy brand in Western Europe, the Middle East, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Libya. Sales of water heaters are projected to increase by 30 per cent in 2007 while heaters are expected to gain 20 per cent. Tesy plans to build a new plant for the manufacturing of water heaters with capacity exceeding 150 liters. The blueprint for the plant should be ready by the end of the year with construction due to kick off in early 2008. Tesy ranks among the 6 biggest producers of water heaters in Europe and is among the continent's biggest producers of heaters. The company produced 622,000 devices in 2006.
Source: Dnevnik (09.05.2007)

Fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer Ficosota Syntez recently established a trade subsidiary in Belgrade. Serbia is the next market targeted by Ficosota. The company is not just an exporter, it has also been investing in the setting up of own structures in neighbouring countries with the purpose of marketing its brands. Ficosota's sales in Romania, Macedonia, Moldova and Ukraine have been successful over the last few years. The company withstood the competition of global brands such as Procter & Gamble and Unilever both in Bulgaria and in the neighbouring countries. Ficosota accounts for 10% of the soap market in Romania. The company also manufactures the best selling bleach brand in Ukraine. Ficosota acquired a sanitary pads manufacturing facility in Ukraine. The company also plans to buy a detergent producing facility in Ukraine and to start distributing its products in Kosovo, Albania and Bosnia by the end of 2007. Ficosota Syntez is the most rapidly developing producer of fast-moving consumer goods not only in Bulgaria but in Eastern Europe as well, according to Krassen Kyurkchiev, manager of the company. Kyurkchiev and all Ficosota employees refer to the company as FS, which actually stands for 'fast and smart' and describes the development strategy of the company. FS has registered a remarkable double-digit growth in sales over the last few years. The company posted BGN 75 million sales for 2006, up 58% year on year. The turnover of the company registered a 40-percent year on year increase as at the end of April 2007 and is expected to top BGN 100 million by the end of the year. The domestic market accounts for the bulk of Ficosota's sales, followed by Romania and Ukraine. Ficosota plans to invest EUR 20 million in 2007 as part of its expansion strategy. Invest,ents will be aimed mainly in the output expansion, advertising and establishing of new brands.
Source: Pari (23.05.2007)

Bulgaria-based Ficosota Synthes LTD registered 58% sales growth in 2006, which strengthened its positions as a leader in the field of fast-circulating goods. Last year the company registered the biggest turnover among the companies producing detergents in Central and Eastern Europe totalling BGN 76 mln. ‘The plan of Ficosota Synthes is to reach BGN 32 mln of investments in 2007 on the markets the company operates on. The investments will be allocated into different operations as we invest BGN 17 mln solely in the sector of hygiene and tissue products for one time usage’, commeneted Krasen Kyurkchiev, manager of Ficosota Synthes. The company produces food products through its subsidiary Ital Food Industry JSC.
Source: Other (10.07.2007)

Ficosota Syntez, the Bulgarian fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer, is launching two new products on the market: toilet paper and nappies. The products will be made in Shumen, the equipment has been already delivered. The new brand of toilet paper will be presented within a few months, the manager of Ficosota Syntez, Krassen Kyurkchiev, said. The nappies will appear on the market next year. The company is a leader in the production of detergents in Bulgaria and will rely on its experience to successfully market its new brands. Ficosota Syntez operates on eight markets in Southeastern Europe and holds 14 own brands. The company plans to invest BGN 17 million in disposable personal care products in 2007. The amount includes the two lines for Everbel sanitary pads that were installed recently. The company has three main lines of business: washing detergents, personal care products, and snacks. Nearly BGN 32 million will be invested in all three areas by this year's end. In 2008 the company plans to develop joint production of washing detergents in Ukraine and will invest some USD 4-5 million in it.
Source: Pari (11.07.2007)

Ficosota-Syntez, the Bulgarian maker of foods, household cleaners, body care and laundry products, said it will invest BGN 31.5 mln in new production facilities in the remainder of 2007. The investment spending will bring the number of Ficosota factories to six, all based in Shumen. The biggest chunk of the investment resource - BGN 17 mln, has been earmarked for the construction of a new factory for toilet paper, sanitary towels and diapers. The four production lines of the new factory will be operational by the end of 2007. A further BGN 7 mln have been invested in a new factory for snack foods. The capacity of the Ficosota soap production will be boosted on BGN 2 mln while BGN 5.5 mln have been set aside for expansion of the company's storage facilities. Ficosota Syntez has forecast turnover of BGN 115 mln for 2007. Last year, sales climbed to BGN 76 mln, up 60 per cent over 2005. Earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortisation topped BGN 5 mln in 2006 and should jump to BGN 10-12 mln in 2007, said the company. Abroad, the Ficosota brands are marketed in Romania, Moldova, Serbia, the Ukraine, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia. In addition to Shumen, the company has production operations in Sofia and in neighboring Serbia. In 2008, Ficosota plans to build a factory in the Ukraine with a local partner. The cost of the project is seen at USD 13 mln with the Bulgarian company contributing USD 4-5 mln.
Source: Dnevnik (11.07.2007)

Bulgarian foodstuff maker Ital Food Industry opened a new production unit in Shoumen, the parent company Ficosota Synthes announced. The project is a joint investment of the two companies and is to the value of BGN 8 mln. The building spreads on 6,500 sq.m, and the designs sees store areas, service premises and offices. The new factory will have three production lines. The newest one is 100% automated and is set for the production of the company’s first pastry – the Franka waffle
Source: Monitor (23.10.2007)

Two snack manufacturers, Lachita and Ital Food, have opened new production facilities. The owner of Veliko Tarnovo-based Lachita, Ivaylo Lyubenov, has invested EUR 15 million in a factory for biscuits and crackers. The green-field project is built on 7,000 sq. m in the city's industrial zone. It is equipped with the biggest production line in Bulgaria with an output capacity of 40 t a day. Currently 200 people are employed in the factory, another 200 jobs will be opened within two years, Lyubenov said. Shumen-based Ital Food Industry has opened a BGN 8 million factory in cooperation with its majority owner, Ficosota Syntez. The facility is equipped with three fully-automated production lines. Besides its well-known brands Bruschetti Maretti and Kubeti, the company will start manufacturing its first candy product, Franka. Ital Food sells about 30% of its output in Bulgaria, the remainder is exported.
Source: Pari (23.10.2007)

Ital Food Industry opened a new factory Bulgarian producer of food products Ital Food Industry JSC opened a factory for food products in Shumen. The project is implemented jointly by Ital Food Industry and the parent company - Ficosota Synthes LTD, and nearly BGN 8 million were invested. Naftex EngineeringJSC was the chief executive on the building, extending on 6,500 sq.m., which provides areas for storage, service facilities and offices. The new factory has three production lines. The latest line is 100% automated and is designed to produce the first sweet product of the company – the waffle Franka. The other two lines produce Bruschetti Maretti and Kubeti and are 80% automated.
Source: Company information (18.12.2007)

Ficosota Syntez acquired the majority share in a Ukrainian factory - Onix. The deal is part of the company's strategy to grow on the Ukrainian market. The Bulgarian company will invest approximately USD 12 million in expanding its manufacture (a new plant for washing powder) and development of new products. Presently, Onix manufactures bleach and dish washing detergent. In comparison with 2006, in 2007 the Ukrainian subsidiary of Ficosota Syntez registered growth of approximately 60%. The experts in marketing expect the company to grow with 47% in 2008. Ficosota Syntez holds 40% of the market of detergents in Bulgaria.
Source: Zastrahovatel (11.01.2008)

Bulgaria's Ficosota buys Ukrainian household cleaners factory Ficosota-Syntez, the Bulgarian maker of household cleaners, body care and laundry products, said it has bought a majority stake in an Ukrainian factory for household cleaners. The acquisition is part of Ficosota's $12 mln three-year strategy for expansion in the Ukraine where it already owns UPP, a feminine care business. The Bulgarian company will modernise the acquired production facility and build a new factory for detergents. Ficosota said the Ukrainian factory will accommodate its first outsourced production operations.
Source: Dnevnik (11.01.2008)

Ficosota-Syntez, the Bulgarian maker of household cleaners, body care and laundry products, said sales rose 30% year-on-year to over 100 mln levs in 2007. The forecast is for a further 35-40% growth in sales this year. The company has been expanding its presence on regional markets like Romania and the Ukraine where sales have increased by more than 50%.
Source: Dnevnik (15.04.2008)

Tesy, the local maker of household heating appliances and water heaters, has opened a 5,250 sq m warehouse in Shumen. The storage facility, which cost 3.9 mln levs, has 9 loading ramps. It is run with the help of by an Oracle warehouse real-time management system. The adoption of the WMS is the company's first step towards a full deployment of an Enterprise Resource Planning system.
Source: Dnevnik (17.06.2008)

Ficosota Syntez, the Bulgarian fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer, ðosted 20% sales growth for the first nine months of 2008 and expects its profit by the end of the year to be between 35% and 40% higher year on year. The company operates on ten markets in Southeast Europe. In spite of the global financial crisis, the sales in Bulgaria increased by 14%, manager Krassen Kiurkchiev commented for Pari daily. The company has invested over BGN 40 million for the last two years.
Source: Pari (04.11.2008)

Last year started optimistically for the chemical industry, but finished under the sign of the crisis - shrinking market, suspension of production and optimization of staff. Negative impact also came from rising prices of basic materials such as natural gas and timber. These processes affected the financial performance of the companies in this sector. Some of the companies ended 2008 at loss: despite increasing revenues over the previous year and investment in new production capacities. Other sectors, such as FMCG, were not hurt so much by the crisis. An example is Ficosota Synthes. The company holds a large part of the market and laundry detergents in the country and now operates more than ten markets in Southeast Europe. The company also produces personal care products and owns the snacks producer Ital Foods. "The crisis found us at appropriate time. We completed the investment in new plant and logistics center and in the first five months of 2009 we reported a 35 percent growth on the Bulgarian market. We are looking forward to good results," said Krassen Kyurkchiev, manager of the company. Investments of Ficosota Synthes for the past two years amounts to over BGN 40 million.
Source: Capital (23.06.2009)

For the first time the leader of the TV advertising market in Bulgaria is different from the international giant Procter & Gamble. The biggest advertiser in the world has shrunk its budget for TV advertising by 47%, which led to it dropping to fifth position in the rankings for the first six months of 2009, according to data from monitoring TNS/TV Plan. The place reserved for P&G, is now occupied by another global conglomerate - Nestle. Among the traditionally represented in the top 50 companies, the most impressive growth comes from FS (Ficosota Synthes). With an increase of 107 percent, they managed to climb from 13th to 2nd place in the rankings with a budget of BGN 13.7 million. "The time of crisis is an appropriate time for winning new market share - consumers are more careful and pragmatic in their choices and need a specific reason to buy a particular product, said the division manager for home products and personal hygiene in the company Ilina Lilova.
Source: Capital (14.08.2009)

Shumen District Court registered the following changes for Ficosota Synthes LTD - Shumen: registered Ilina Stoyanova Racheva as partner in the company; changes in the company status.
Source: State Gazette (25.08.2009)

Bulgarian manufacturer Ficosota Synthes Ltd. announced a competition for media hop, to assume the coordination of the media activities of the company in Southeast Europe in 2010. The company is expanding its business in Central Europe, as in 2010 and 2011 it will focus on offering innovative products, giving consumers additional reasons to choose the brands of Ficosota Synthes. Big investments in communication both on traditional markets for the company and in other countries will be made.
Source: expert.bg (11.12.2009)

The manager of Ficosota Synthes (FS) Krassen Kyurkchiev is one of the prize winners of Ruban d'honneur. In the category "Entrepreneur of the Year" and IT company Telerik received an award in the category of business with a turnover up to EUR 25 million from European Business Awards 2011. Kyurkchiev commented on the occasion that his goal is Ficosota Synthes to become the largest FMCG company in Eastern Europe. According to the company, consolidated turnover for 2011 will reach BGN 170 million, and the expected growth for 2012 is over 20%. Over half of the company’s business is generated by the FS foreign markets. Telerik is one of the leading Bulgarian companies in information technology, and was honored as Best Employer in Bulgaria in 2010 by Hewitt Associates. European Business Awards, sponsored by HSBC, are served since 2007 to the most innovative and best performing companies in the European business community.
Source: Dnevnik (25.11.2011)

The Association of Milk Producers in Bulgaria has launched a suit with the Bulgarian competition watchdog over a TV ad featuring a woman with big breasts advertising what they see as "fake cheese". The add in question features a woman presented as Juliet who pulls out a piece of cheese from inside her cleavage and hands it to a guy called Romeo; the cheese, however, is technically called a "milk delicacy" because it contains palm oil. Even though the add does state that the product in question is not cheese, it has enraged the Bulgarian milk producers who are resorting to the Competition Protection Commission and the Council for Electronic Media, a media watchdog. According to the milk producers, the ad misleads the consumers into believing that "fake cheese" is better and healthier than real cheese made of milk, the Standart daily reported. A decision on whether to terminate the broadcasting of the controversial ad could be made only after the watchdogs issue a decision. As of January 1, 2013, dairy farms in Bulgaria are required to produce either milk products only, or only surrogate products containing vegetable fat. They are entitled to switch every six months but are required to notify the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. According to the producers of milk surrogates, the Juliet ad is fully legal, and does not mislead the consumers in any way as it makes it clear that the product imitates the taste of cheese. The surrogate product in question belongs to the Bulka Cheiz brand of cosmetics producer Ficosota Syntez and was produced at the Milky Lux dairy farm.
Source: Standart (04.01.2013)

Terter, Bulgarea and Bulka cheiz have one thing in common-all of them are brands owned by Ficosota Synthes. The company entered dairy branch in the spring of 2011. Terter is the company’s brand in the highest price segment, Bulgarea in the middle, while Bulka takes the lowest price segment. All three of them demonstrated Ficosota Synthes’ style of imposing new brand through a strong advertising campaign. Expensive cheese category grew by 19% in value and 23% in volume for the period after the release of Terter.
Source: Capital (14.01.2013)

Bulgarian Thermal Power Plant Contur Global Fined over Air Pollution Thermal power plant Maritsa Iztok 3 (ConturGlobal) has been fined slightly over BGN 64 000 by a Bulgarian regional environmental inspectorate over air pollution. The fine imposed on the TPP over sulphur dioxide emissions exceeding admissible levels is mentioned in a report presenting all inspections conducted by Bulgaria's Ministry of Environment and Water in September. According to the report, as cited by investor.bg, the heating utility in the western town of Pernik, Toplofikatsiya – Pernik was also penalized over air pollution for failing to limit unorganized emission concentration of dust. According to the report, heating utilities were not the only source of air pollution. Penalties for such violations were imposed on Veliko Tarnovo-based firm Patni Stroezhi (Road Construction) EOOD, Shumen-based vegetable oil plant "Rosa", and the asphalt facility of Bulgarpatstroi AD near Burgas. The emphasis of the inspections in September was water conservation, according to the Environment Ministry. Penalties over improper wastewater disposal were imposed on the Belovo Paper Mill that has violated the permit for discharge of wastewater and Fikosota Sintez OOD company for disposal of wastewater that has not passed through a treatment plant. In September 2013, Environment Ministry officials inspected over 1500 sites issued 79 statements of offence and 626 instructions on how to deal with irregularities.
Source: investor.bg (28.10.2013)

Seat on the dairy market for sale Postbank (Eurobank EFG Bulgaria) is offering dairy products manufacturer Dyado Lyuben in Koprivshtitsa on a public tender due to non-performing debts. The bank published an announcement specifying the initial bidding price - BGN 5.08 million (VAT not included) - and the deadline to submit offers - November 7, 2013. The company is heavily indebted. According to data in the Commercial Register it owes Postbank EUR 2.5 million.
Source: Capital Dàily (30.10.2013)

Bulgaria's Ficosota opens 5.6 mln euro logistics centre in Shumen Bulgarian cleaning products maker Ficosota said on Monday it opened a new logistics centre at a total value of BGN 11 million. The logistics centre is located in Shumen, in Bulgaria's northeast, and occupies an area of 8,500 square metres, Ficosota said in a press release. The logistics centre was designed by local company Zoom Studio and was built by Cordeel Bulgaria. Ficosota plans to invest 50 million levs for development of its production facilities in the 2013-2015 period, Ficosota Manager Krasen Kyurkchiev said. Ficosota, found in 1994, is based in the northeastern town of Shumen. It produces detergents, home and personal care products.
Source: Company information (14.07.2014)

Per million from Shumen In days Shumen-based production facility of the group Ficosota will expand with a new factory-one for boilers. With the investment, assessed at BGN 15 million the department for appliances Tesy will double and will be able to produce more than 1 million boilers annually. Basically they are exported, because in Bulgaria the company holds already 40% of the market. The new factory will have an area of 6 thousand square meters of built up area and will produce 550 thousand electric boilers annually. For its construction bank loan and equity capitals are used. The new investment together with the functioning factory and logistics terminal of Tesy form a built-up area of a total of 16 thousand square meters where electrical boilers under the brand of Tesy are manufactured. With the new investment Tesy may propose devices of new generation, which was impossible in the presently functioning facilities. The company has three factories. Tesy’s logistics center service a total of 800 points in Bulgaria and Romania and at least 300 in Greece are to be taken up by the company in future. Employees of the group are 650.
Source: Capital (25.04.2016)

Again three multinationals topped Regal 500+ In 2015, companies in the top 25 manufacturers of FMCG reported sales for BGN 2.573 billion in total. The result is almost similar to that of 2014, when the 25 largest companies in the study Regal 500+ made total sales of BGN 2.6 billion. First place in the ranking, as well as in 2014, is taken by Mondelez Bulgaria Production, manufacturer of coffee, chocolate, biscuits and cocoa. In 2015, Mondelez differentiated its production of coffee in Bulgaria into a separate company - Jacobs Dow Egberts Ltd., which is in seventh position in the ranking. Second is Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Bulgaria with revenues of over BGN 273.2 million. in 2015 the company reported production growth of 13.1% compared to 2014. In 2015, Coca Cola Hellenic invested BGN 10 million in factory for mineral water in Bankya, and this year – BGN 5 million in a new line at its production center in Kostinbrod. Another global corporation in the business of chocolate and confectionery - Nestle Bulgaria, ranks third with sales of over BGN 169 million.
Source: Other (02.11.2016)

Bulgarian exports to Romania have grown by more than 40 percent in the first ten months of last year and already exceed 4 billion euros, reports the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Trade for the same period amounted to 7.25 billion euros, exceeding the initial forecasts of 7 billion euros for the whole of 2021. Romanian investments in Bulgaria by the end of 2021 amount to EUR 366.3 million. Among the registered Romanian companies in Bulgaria are: "Rompetrol" - chain of gas stations (over 30); "Polycolor" - owner of "Orgahim" - Ruse, "Romstal", "E-mag", "Ocean Fish - Verdana", "TotalSoft", "Budmax" (Arabesk). Among the registered Bulgarian companies in Romania are: "Prista Oil", "Bella Bulgaria", "Eurohold Bulgaria", "Kaolin", "Monbat", "Euroins", "Technomarket", "ERBL Food", "Sis Industries". , "Ficosota" and others.
Source: Banker (01.02.2023)

"Ficosota" - owner of the "Milde" and "Emeka" brands, invested 5 million euros in a high-tech line for the production of paper products, doubling its production capacity. The purchased packaging line is of a new generation, fully automated, the palletization is carried out by robots that arrange one pallet in less than 2 minutes, announced Krasen Kyurkchiev - founder and manager of "Fikosota". The new equipment uses patented technology from the US and Italy that allows for the precise production of each roll of toilet paper or kitchen paper. "Investments that have been implemented in 2023, are in the process of being implemented or will be started in 2023 are for BGN 24 million. The upcoming investments until 2025 in the medium term are for about BGN 80 million," he specified. Krasen Kyurkchiev. The toilet paper market in Bulgaria is worth over BGN 121 million with a growth of 22% over the last year. With its two brands "Milde" and "Emeka", "Ficosota" holds a total of 29% market share in value and is the absolute leader in the premium segment. "Fikosota" started this year with over 30% revenue growth, and expectations are for over 450 million BGN sales in 2023. For comparison, "Fikosota" consolidated revenues for 2022 are BGN 365 million, and consolidated profit - nearly BGN 20 million
Source: Capital (31.03.2023)

TESY invests BGN 50 million in a new boiler factory in Shumen and creates up to 40 new jobs The third largest producer of water heaters in Europe, the Bulgarian company TESY is starting the construction of a new plant in Shumen. The value of the investment in construction and equipment amounts to BGN 50 million and will be financed with bank loans. The new plant will be built by the end of next year, and the plans are for it to come into operation at the end of 2024. The 11,500 sq.m. expanded built-up area will have a production area divided into two main halls with highly automated and technological welding, enameling and assembly lines for water containers for thermodynamic and electric boilers, as well as lines for final assembly of heat pump units and thermodynamic boilers . A high-rack warehouse system and about 4 thousand pallet spaces with 6 loading ramps are planned. The administrative-living area will be distributed over three levels, including a robo academy, an office part with 50 workplaces and a relaxation area for 200 people. The planned annual capacity of the factory will be over 200,000 units of finished product. The jobs that will be created will be for between 20 and 40 new employees. TESY realizes its production in 60 countries. The company's annual turnover for 2022 is over BGN 210 million. Every year, sales revenue grows by a double-digit number, with the goal for 2023 being BGN 300 million. TESY has subsidiaries in Romania, Spain, Russia and Greece. Today, the team consists of 1,050 people from 15 nationalities, with some of the employees working in the company since its inception. Since its founding, the company's engineers have created over 69 industrial designs, patents and utility models. To date, the company has a total of 4 factories in Shumen and Smyadovo: a factory for electric boilers with a volume of 6 to 150 L in three price segments (capacity over 1,200,000 units/year); factory for panel convectors (capacity over 200,000 pieces/year; in the process of further expansion); a plant for oil radiators (capacity over 300,000 pieces/year) and a plant for high-volume boilers and buffer vessels (capacity 50,000 pieces/year; products with a volume of 160 to 2000 L).
Source: money.bg (09.06.2023)

The big bakery of "Ficosota": 30 million euros in a new bruschetta plant in Shumen The brothers Zhechko and Krasen Kyurkchievi, managing a production business with annual revenues of almost BGN 600 million, announced the start of construction of a new bruschetta factory of "Fikosota Food" for 30 million euros in the city of Shumen. The new power will be for Bruschette Maretti ("Bruschetti Maretti"). According to information from "Ficosota", this year bruschetta sales are in the amount of BGN 100 million, and after the loading of the future plant, the annual turnover of the product will reach BGN 400 million. Bruschette Maretti are already sold in over 70 countries on all continents and is the largest bruschetta brand in the world. Currently, "Ficosota Food" produces 1,500 tons of Bruschette Maretti per month, and with the new factory I will have a capacity for a total of 4,000 tons per month, or nearly 700 million packets per year. Production areas, a logistics center for finished products, a warehouse for raw materials and an administrative part will be located on nearly 15,000 square meters of open space. The new plant is expected to operate 24/7 in early 2025. The opening of the plant will create 150 new jobs for warehouse workers, high-tech equipment operators, adjusters, technicians, automation engineers, production managers, control of quality, etc. The history of Bruschette Maretti began in 2005 at "Ital Food Industry" (later "Ital Food" and "Ficosota Food") in Shumen. The original shareholders in the company were the brothers Martin and Krasen Kamenski (with 25% each) and "Fikosota Synthesis" (later "Fikosota") of the brothers Krasen and Zhechko Kyurkchievi with a 50% share. At the beginning of 2012, "Ficosota Synthesis" became the sole owner of the bruschetta company, after buying the shares of the Kamensky brothers, who later created the companies "New Bakers" and "The Bakers".
Source: Capital (04.09.2023)

In 2022, the total sales of the top 10 manufacturers in the "Chemistry" sector will exceed BGN 14.7 billion. The average revenue for the companies in the sector ranking will jump by over 87% compared to 2021. The most significant is the financial result of "Agropolychem" ( BGN 228.1 million), followed by Lukoil Neftohim Burgas (BGN 129.5 million). Among the companies in the sectoral ranking, the largest employers are "Gotmar" (1,290 employees), "Lukoil Neftohim Burgas" (1,284) and "Hamberger Bulgaria" (1,114). The leader in the ranking is the Ruse producer of biodiesel and sunflower oil "Astra Bioplant" of Stanko, Mladen and Deyan Stankovi, reports over 118% growth in revenues in 2022. For 2022, the profit of the group, uniting seven enterprises, is 90 million. BGN, and a year earlier it was BGN 227 million. The second in the ranking - "Lukoil Neftohim Burgas", reports over BGN 2.176 billion in sales for 2022. Georgi Samuilov's "Insa Oil" occupies third place in the top 10 with over BGN 1.919 billion in revenue and growth over 107%. The company, which has bases in Belozem, Burgas and Ruse, is a large importer and exporter of diesel. "Prista Oil Holding" (10th place) of the Bobokov brothers. reports over 58% growth in sales in 2022, which exceed BGN 148 million. The top 10 also includes three companies that produce fertilizers. The largest and private Bulgarian plant for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers "Agropolyhim" - Devnya (4th place), in which the shareholders are Philip Rombout (Belgium) and Iskar Iskrov, continues its ambitious investment program. In the next five years, the company will invest BGN 490 million in a nitric acid plant and in related projects, thus doubling the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Revenues of over BGN 661 million in 2022 are assigned to the Neohim fertilizer plant - Dimitrovgrad, fifth place in the top 10. In 2023, however, the Dimitrovgrad plant often closed due to accidents, which sharply reduced its sales and the company lost nearly BGN 39 million. The producer of soda ash and bicarbonate of soda "Solvay Sodi" - Devnya (6), owned by the Belgian Solvay group and the Turkish Sisecam, increased its revenues by more than a fifth. The latest investment that the company is planning is to build a steam production plant using alternative fuels (RDF and biomass). According to preliminary estimates, the project is for BGN 150-200 million and is part of a larger package aimed at reducing the company's carbon emissions. The manufacturer of fast-moving goods "Ficosota" (laundry, cleaning, washing products, personal care and cosmetics, hygienic disposables) is also investing heavily in the development of its business. One of the investments of the company of the brothers Krasen and Zhechko Kyurkchievi, which reports over BGN 263.3 million turnover in 2022 (7th place), is in a line for packaging liquid products in flexible polypropylene packaging. The project is worth EUR 620,000 and is co-financed by Innovation Norway. A strong year 2022 is also reported by the company "Gotmar" - Saedinenie (8th position), owned by Georgi Tuchev. The company specializes in the processing of thermoplastics and has been operating on the market since 1992. Through the Nova Trade company, the group includes the production of Bachkovo mineral water and Derby soft drinks. For 2022, it reports over BGN 240.9 million turnover (8th position). With sales of over BGN 218.8 million, the factory for the production of toilet seats "Hamberger Bulgaria" occupies 9th place in the ranking. The company is part of the Hamberger Industriewerke group of the same name, founded in 1866 by the German Hamberger family.
Source: Capital (06.03.2024)

In 2023, the Bulgarian perfume and cosmetic industry reported growth in production and sales, according to the annual overview analysis of SFB Capital Market AD on the development of the sector. Total sales of perfume and cosmetic products increased to EUR 447 million, which is 3% more than in 2022. The sector's foreign trade turnover for 2024 reached a record EUR 1 billion, with a negative trade balance of EUR 57 million. Imports for 2024 increased to EUR 554 million, which accounts for 1.1% of total imports of goods in Bulgaria. The largest importers of perfume and cosmetic products in Bulgaria for 2024 are Romania, France and the Netherlands. Exports of perfume and cosmetic products increased in 2024 by 10% and reached EUR 497 million. EUR, which forms about 1.2% of the annual Bulgarian goods exports. The main export markets for Bulgaria are Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The total number of enterprises in the sector decreased at the end of 2023 to 299. with a total of 3728 permanent employees. In 2023, Fikosota Lyd took a leading position among the enterprises-manufacturers of perfumes and toiletries in Bulgaria, followed by Balev Corporation Ltd - Varna and L'Oreal Bulgaria Ltd - Sofia. Among the producers of essential oils, the leading enterprises are Essetere Bulgaria Ltd - Dobrich, Galen-N Ltd - Sofia and Enyo Bonchev ProductionLtd - Sofia. For additional information and applications: http://sfb.bia-bg.com
Source: Capital market (13.05.2025)

The company's products of the Shumen-based FMCG manufacturer "Ficosota" and its subsidiary "Ficosota Food" are exported to over 90 foreign markets. In 2024, 44% of the machines put into operation at "Ficosota Food" are for the modernization of the production of "Bruschetti Maretti". And investments in automation and robotization solutions exceed 10% of the annual turnover of the two companies, which for 2024 is 447.9 million leva. In 2024, the company installed two new automatic lines for "Bruschetti Maretti", which double its production capacity. Each of the lines is equipped with a robotic cartoning system and is integrated into a central palletizer, which ensures synchronized operation of the entire production flow, the company specifies. The automated solution in the baguette section is also new, which leads to an increase in production capacity by about 30%. The company is also investing in the expansion of the flour silo, which increases its storage capacity by 50%. "Ficosota Food" is building a new bruschetta factory in Shumen. Eight percent of the company's energy consumption is already covered by photovoltaics. The company has two solar parks, which are also equipped with batteries for energy storage. And the share of recycled or reused raw materials used - mainly packaging, is growing. "Ficosota" was founded by the brothers Zhechko and Krasen Kyurkchiev. It owns majority shares in "Ficosota Food" - Bulgaria, "Ficosota Marketing Romania", "Ficosota Marketing New York". The company defines itself not as a manufacturing company, but as a brand creation company. It strives to achieve a high degree of consumer loyalty and high awareness of the company's brands. Among the brands of "Ficosota" are: bruschetta Maretti, Kubeti, Motto, Savex, Teo bebe, "Eho", "Emeka", etc. For 2024, the company reports 447.9 million leva in revenue, and employs about 1,180 people.
Source: Capital (18.11.2025)