Raja maintains its leading position in Europe even in difficult economic times

The stability and endurance of a packaging expert:

In spite of the tense global economic climate, the Raja Group managed to regain its leading position in the European market in 2009. With an annual turnover of 223 million euros, the Group confirmed its extremely high performance. 14 million catalogues mailed, 200,000 customers, an expanded internet presence and the development of European sales outlets show a clear upward trend for 2010.

The Raja Group is the leading company in Europe in packaging, distribution and warehousing. In order to continuously seek new solutions, the company is further expanding its product range. The basis is customer requirements and the long experience of the packaging specialist. Last but not least, this attitude towards customers, the high level of service provided by the Raja Group and the quality of the products offered with good value for money also contributed to the Group achieving an annual turnover of 223 million euros in 2009. Thus, despite the global economic crisis, turnover fell by just under 8% compared to the previous year, which is considered positive by the company’s management.

Danièle Kapel-Marcovici, CEO and President of the Board of Directors of the Raja Group, speaks about the result. Above all, we have preserved our biggest asset, our customer portfolio. We continued to invest without deviating from our strategy. In 2010, we will continue our determined turnaround strategy and in parallel develop our international growth.”

The high level of service and the broad range of offerings create a stable customer base

Particularly impressive is the fact that the Raja Group has maintained its customer portfolio of more than 200,000 regular customers and generates an average of 300 new customers per day. At the end of 2009, more than 40% of the Group’s business was generated at its branches.

The success factors and reasons for the economic stability of the Raja Group are to be found in its comprehensive product range, its broad customer structure in terms of size and sector, and its diversified sales channels. Customers can order from the modern online shop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, interested parties will find suggestions, tips and product guides on the topic of packaging on the website. This makes choosing the right product even easier. In addition, sales consultants are also available by phone or email for individual quotations. Not infrequently, the company, as a packaging specialist, develops tailor-made solutions. This high flexibility, combined with the high quality of the service provided, increases the attractiveness of the Raja Group for its customers.

Multichannel strategy and improved web presence

The Raja Group succeeded in developing its business strategy during the 2009 financial year. The Group strengthened its sales promotion and boosted its presence with customers by sending out 14 million catalogues. The catalogue was redesigned, the format was changed and costs were reduced, thereby increasing competitiveness.

In addition, Raja placed particular emphasis on new media: the Group’s internet presence was therefore redesigned. This resulted in a 20% growth in this distribution channel. Depending on the country, the Group generates between 15% and 20% of its total turnover through its online offering.

To mark its tenth anniversary this year, the website will be redesigned. New features, search engine optimization, the construction of so-called microsites and the expansion of thematic content are just some of the elements of the ambitious 2010 Internet strategy.

A stable team of employees is the key to success

Since 2000, Raja has expanded its staff from 400 to 820 employees (820 employees across Europe in 2009). In addition, a further 50 new jobs are planned for 2010. Raja is thus best prepared for the expected global economic recovery.

The 4-year anniversary of the “Raja-Danièle Marcovici Foundation”

Since its creation in January 2006, the Raja-Danièle-Marcovici Foundation, founded by Mrs. Danièle Kapel-Marcovici, has been able to finance various projects in the field of solidarity, training, education and health for women with 800,000 euros. It supports 63 projects in 20 countries. In 2010, Raja plans to further develop these projects and actions and has therefore increased its foundation budget.

Prospects for the 2010 financial year

In 2010, the Group has budgeted for sales growth of 8% to EUR 240 million. It intends to achieve this ambitious target through high activity in growth and innovation markets such as health, high-tech and the Internet. As in the past, Raja will continue to expand and improve its product range and maintain price stability. In 2009, the range of commercial packages was expanded internationally, having previously been available exclusively in France. In the current range, customers will discover more than 200 new products, 150 bestsellers at the best price and a stable price level since 2008.

For the wholesale segment , the Raja Group is planning a Europe-wide strengthening of its sales position. In addition, the wholesale strategy includes points such as accelerating the introduction of decentralised framework contracts in Europe, further developing e-shopping and creating customer-specific catalogues on the Internet. In France, the Raja Group achieved the renewal of its ISO 9001 certification.

The Czech subsidiary Rajapack s.r.o. also looks back on 2010 positively. The expansion of the product range and the development of target groups is also planned for Czech customers. In order to improve customer service, the Czech sales team will be strengthened and the internet presence will be expanded.