The year 2016 established a new record in exports for ABC fresh cream cheese from Belje, one of the most recognizable and a bestselling products in the Croatian market, but it is also successful in increasing the number of its markets. ABC cheese had a 10% growth of total sales in 2016 while the exports grew by 20%. ABC fresh cream cheese can be found in more than 20 countries and most exports are linked to the markets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia and Arab countries.
“Sales in domestic markets continue to grow, but the sales in foreign markets had a significant increase. In 2016 we have entered into several new markets including Austria. Exports compose 54% of ABC cheese total sales in 2016. The plans for 2017 include further expansion to Arab and Far East markets and better positioning to increase market share in countries where the quality of ABC fresh cream cheese has already been recognized.”, said Davor Bošnjaković, managing director of Belje d.d.
Along with the simple recipe of only three ingredients – milk, cream and sea salt – this export success can also be contributed to the product’s traceability and durability. Production traceability and the finest quality milk from Belje owned farms give ABC cheese product line its continuous and recognizable quality.
The international success was also boosted by numerous awards and recognitions. Those that are especially highlighted are the third place for ABC cheese with chives at the World Championship Cheese Contest in United States and the Chrystal Taste Award that was awarded to ABC fresh cream classic in 2016 by the International Taste % Quality Institute (iTQi) from Bruxelles. This positioned it among select world famous high quality food brands that satisfied the tasting evaluation by chefs and sommeliers from the best restaurants in the world gathered at the iTQi.