"We go down unusual paths too"

PET in Europe: Vitakraft has set up its own distribution companies in Hungary and Poland and lastly in Sweden by taking over established companies there. What specific changes will this entail for your retail customers?Peter Haensli: Following the creation of Vitakraft Spain S. L. (2000), Vitakraft Italia S.p.A. (2003), Vitakraft Aqua-Food Kft., Hungary (2005), Vitakraft Tuptus Sp. z.o.o., Poland  (2006) and Vitakraft Sverige AB (2006), we are successfully established in the global market with 17 autonomous Vitakraft distribution companies. For our customers in the retail trade locally these acquisitions and new companies mean that they will receive a first-class service provided by highly motivated, Vitakraft-trained employees in the distribution, marketing, logistics and administration departments. For our customers that are themselves expanding internationally, our development is a guarantee of an active, future-oriented working relationship.PET in Europe: Are further new distribution companies or acquisitions abroad envisaged in the immediate future?Peter Haensli: Yes, we are interested in further strategic expansion - but please understand that we tend to be reticent about providing precise details of our corporate objectives and strategies.PET in Europe: Big supermarket chains from all over Europe are setting the pace in the retail trade in Eastern Europe. What prospects do you see for speciality pet product retailers to assert themselves in the market in countries like Poland, Hungary or the Czech Republic?Peter Haensli: The speciality trade has a very promising future in these markets. I am convinced that the speciality trade has ground to make up in many respects in these markets and will develop at an above-average rate in the next ten years. However, I believe that branched structures will develop increasingly. It will be very exciting to observe whether and how the established western European speciality retail organisations adapt to the local market conditions, which are not to be underestimated. PET in Europe: Vitakraft now has 14 distribution companies worldwide. What proportion of Vitakraft's total sales do exports currently account for? And how do you assess the further development of the export business?Peter Haensli: Vitakraft's own distribution companies are autonomous profit centres and report directly to the group head office in Bremen. Classic exports outside the "Vitakraft regions" are handled by Mr Werner Glowacz working with the…