Katz invests in expansion in Rio and in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro-in times of economic bitterness, good news appear precisely the market that has a legion of fans: the chocolates, sector that goes beyond the generalist brands. Are the manufacturers of so-called premium chocolates that pull investments.
The Katz, traditional manufacturer of Petrópolis, in the mountainous region, begins its expansion project to the main capitals of the country, but the kick is the city of Rio de Janeiro. For the next few months is scheduled the opening of four new points of sale.
Two stores and two franchises. The sites will still be defined, but malls and neighborhoods of the South zone Rio, Leblon and Ipanema, as are over rated. "In this moment of crisis and rentals with high values, slowly and with caution. We analyze a lot of point to see if it''s worth the investment, "says Elisabeth Goldman Birman, CEO and chocolatier of Katz.
The caution has reason to be especially in the moment of crisis. "The shop is still easy to open. Already the cost of shopping is very expensive. Therefore, we examined very carefully all possibilities and proposals, despite many requests from other capitals, "the businesswoman.
The company does not disclose numbers, but the momentum of increased revenue in 2015 (16%) and this year (9%), forecast in the expansion of business. The investment roadmap for the next five years is to R$ 55,000,000.
Retail
In addition to stores in other States, and a unit in Miami, in the United States next year, Katz focuses on distribution to retailers. The brand was again sold in stores of the sugar loaf and the Sam''s Club. And in other areas of expertise
There are also contracts with networks of automobile dealers-for tasting. In addition to negotiations with hotels and actions in events such as occurred in the settler party Bauernfest German of Petrópolis, which happened in August.
With the production of three to four tonnes per month, the company''s goal is increase 20% in manufacturing, earlier this year. And more 20% from 2017. To this end, the Katz already invests in equipment and staff training, but promise not to lose the essence of artisanal chocolate.
"We will invest to meet this demand and to develop own brands. But our production is handmade and cannot lose this trait ", recognizes Elisabeth.
Mini-production plant
In Petrópólis, where the company was born in 1953, Katz will do occasional changes in store in the Jacintinho district, near the Casa de Santos Dumont, one of the attractions of the city. There will be installed a mini-production plant and visitors can learn to make chocolate.
The growth of this market seems indifferent to the crisis, and is also connected to her. The premium chocolate attracts the customer looking for a gift. "The chocolate became a gift accessible and differentiated. Us adds this proposal with packaging, ceramic items and baskets ", says Elisabeth.