Romanian fast-moving consumer goods distributor AQUILA reported revenue of 2.5 billion RON in the first nine months of 2026, up 2% from a year earlier, and a net profit of 4.2 million RON in the third quarter, following measures to optimise its product portfolio and costs.

The company said its gross margin on sales of goods improved to 18.7% in the third quarter, from 17.2% in the previous three months, amid pressure on consumer spending and commercial margins.

AQUILA continued to expand across its three business segments, with distribution revenue rising 2% in the first nine months, logistics revenue increasing 7% and transport revenue growing 16%.

Distribution growth was supported mainly by traditional retail, where revenue rose 13%, while the HoReCa segment increased 2% and sales through petrol stations grew 1%. These gains offset an 18% decline in the organised retail channel.

Sales of the company’s own brands increased by 17% to more than 123 million RON in the January-September period. The portfolio includes more than 140 products.

Non-food own-brand sales rose 48%, while food products recorded growth of 12%, AQUILA said.

The company invested around 9 million RON in relocating its operations in Bacău and Constanța to two new logistics centres, aiming to increase capacity, streamline distribution flows and improve service flexibility.

Despite the revenue growth, profitability remained under pressure. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 22% to 101 million RON in the first nine months compared with the same period in 2025, mainly due to a lower gross margin.

The net result was also affected by a 13.6 million RON increase in depreciation and amortisation expenses, reflecting investments in transport vehicles and logistics infrastructure.

“2026 is a year in which operational discipline and the capacity to adapt matter more than ever,” said Chief Executive Cătălin Vasile, adding that the company remained focused on logistics infrastructure, operational efficiency and own brands.

AQUILA, one of Romania’s largest fast-moving consumer goods distributors, was listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange in November 2021. The company said it had expanded and modernised its operations, completed strategic acquisitions and strengthened its regional presence since its stock market debut.