Changing focus

„Successful HoReCa 2008” was the title of a one day forum organised by Karrier és Stílus Tanácsadó Kft. in the beginning of February. The first presentation was held by Judit Szalóky Tóth, managing director of AC Nielsen, about the possible routes for expansion. Surveys have confirmed that profitability has become the number one consideration in catering as well. The number of .HoReCa units continues to rise and the segments producing the most dynamic expansion (16-18 per cent) are clubs and places of accom­mo­da­tion.Csaba Belovai, sales director of Zwack Unicum Nyrt. spoke about the need to respond to market changes quickly. The response of Zwack to the drastic change in supply as a result of our accession to the EU was not cut prices, but to strengthen its brands and promotional activities and to begin focusing on another sector. While the HoReCa sector used to account for only 30 per cent of their sales, this percentage is now 60. per cent. Izabella Zwack spoke about establishing a small wine cellar for high quality wines, modeled on American „garage-wineries” Erzsébet Schreiber, deputy director of the National Consumer Protection Authority spoke about changes in consumer protection policy. Inspections are to be carried out in line with uniform standards and sanctions for selling alcohol or tobacco products to people under 18 will become harsher. Ákos Niklai, chairman of the board of Magyar Turizmus Zrt spoke about the increase in the purchasing power of domestic guests and pointed out the importance of tourists to the HoReCa sector. László Benedek, sales director of Heineken Hungaria, discussed the issue of finding the most efficient way of delivering products from the manufacturer to the end user. Judit Mikó, marketing director of the Out Of Home division of Sara Lee spoke about the generally accepted marketing practices in the HoReCa sector, especially co-promotion and dual branding. György Kobelrausch, director of Häage-Dazs Partner Kft. presented his new business and spoke about the question of recruiting suppliers for a start-up business.