AQUILA, leader in integrated distribution and logistics services for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market in Romania, recorded revenues of RON 835 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 13 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. The four companies acquired over the last three years, Romtec-Europa SRL, Parmafood Group Distribution SRL, Parmafood Trading SRL, and KITAX Kft, contributed approximately 6 percent to total revenues.
Cătălin Vasile, CEO AQUILA: “The first quarter results reflect AQUILA’s ability to deliver growth in a market environment characterized by cautious consumer spending, competitive pressure, and shifts in consumer purchasing behavior. In this context, we remained focused on strengthening our market position and increasing sales volumes through a commercial strategy adapted to the competitive landscape, which supported strong shelf visibility. We continue to expand our product portfolio and develop tailored solutions for each sales channel, leveraging the synergies among the Group companies and the advantages of our regional logistics infrastructure. We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on consolidation opportunities in a still fragmented distribution market and to generate sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”
The distribution segment continued to represent the Group’s main business driver, generating approximately 95 percent of total revenues and recording a 13 percent increase. This evolution was mainly supported by growth in the traditional retail channel (+31 percent) and HoReCa channel (+22 percent). Sales in the modern retail channel (large retail chains) decreased by 14 percent. At the same time, the company continued its cross-selling strategy and expanded the distribution of its own brands.
Revenues from the transport and logistics segments increased by 5 percent, supported by higher operational volumes and the expansion of logistics activities across multiple temperature categories, particularly in the frozen products segment. At the same time, revenues generated by the company’s own brands increased by 32 percent, reaching approximately RON 40 million.
Operating expenses before depreciation increased by RON 4 million, mainly driven by higher employee benefits expenses, which rose by RON 6 million. This evolution reflects an increase with approximately 250 employees compared to the same period of the previous year.
The EBITDA recoded by the company was RON 35 million. The gross margin from the sale of goods is 18 percent, with profitability mainly impacted by changes in the mix of distributed products and the expansion of the traditional retail portfolio with products requiring higher promotional budgets and generating lower margins, in a context of cautious consumer spending and increased competitive pressure in the market.