Mr. Duffek, as you observed, the pandemic of a new type of coronavirus has affected consumer behavior?
Tomasz Duffek: We all have learned to live in a new reality, people have more time and attention to home Affairs and new habits. For example, a recent study by Nielsen found that nearly 40 percent of Russians during the pandemic were more likely to do house cleaning. Maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene have become a major solution in the fight against coronavirus.
of Course, during the time of isolation the majority of buyers have moved online, some even for the first time. We see that online people prefer to do large-scale purchase: either take a large pack or buy several packs of household products. The brands that are No. 1 in sales offline, here is the second and third positions. And Vice versa. For example, the means for dishwashing machines are most popular online.
Consumers still trust brands. Despite the fact that the interest to promotions and discounts is maintained, people choose high-quality and familiar products.
How the current situation affected the segment of “detergents” of the company? Whether the increased sales, if Yes, what funds?
Tomasz Duffek: On the background of the spread of coronavirus, the demand for detergents has been growing. Very popular, as I said, products for dishwashers, as people spend a lot of time at home and cooking, as well as innovative forms of washing medium – gels and capsules. These categories showed double-digit growth.
the Boom of consumer demand for cleaning products and detergents occurred in the first months of the regime of self-isolation – March and April. Consumers literally bought everything that can be useful in everyday life: washing powder, dishwashing detergent and dishwashers, household chemicals for the house. In may, demand has declined somewhat, and now he stabiliziruemost.
during this period, many consumers have switched to buying online. What are the dynamics of these sales?
Tomasz Duffek: Over the past couple of months remote sales surged in March and April, the volume of online market has increased in 3 times. The second type of indicators we had only come to 2024-2025 year, but it happened for 2-3 weeks. To the extent many were not ready. Large retailers, the marketplace, manufacturers urgently have rebuilt their capacity for growing demand.
We followed the situation in China, Italy, other European countries, where the pandemic began in the early years, and tried to prepare for change in advance. Bet on the most popular categories and products online, have organized a stock of goods at all stages ��octavos and coordinated planning process of sales with retailers. We have partnered with large online platforms and marketplaces, and of course with our key offline retailers, who in pandemic began to actively explore the Internet sales. Today the share of online sales in our categories, not so great, but growth is very rapid. Because many new buyers who have not previously used online shopping, having a positive experience will remain regular customers.
have you put any new products during a pandemic?
Tomasz Duffek: We have increased the production of goods of all categories by almost half, paying special attention to the tools with an antibacterial effect. Increased demand for large packages, and issued the first “Weasel” with a volume of 4 liters.
Russian consumers still value the funds with a intense flavor. This spring we launched a washing gel “Caress Aromatherapy care 3 in 1” and a new softener Vernel Fresh Control with the neutralization of unpleasant odors and innovative aromatase.
Along with the functionality of the product is increasing interest in its environmental performance. This trend is particularly noticeable among young consumers. We pay great attention to this direction: change the structure, work packaging and its design, implementing recycled materials. Until the end of 2020 we plan to release a line of environmentally friendly products with recyclable packaging and some raw materials are going to Russia.
in this period was organized the production process?
Tomasz Duffek: Our plants have continued to work in full, as the backbone of the enterprise, providing a regular supply of products and planned launches of new products. Important role here was played by team work, which I have never seen before. In March, when Russia began a large-scale epidemic, our factories and the purchasing Department worked on the maximum of their capabilities so consumers can always find your favorite products on the shelves. No one planned or expected demand in March-April will be so high. But we managed very well.
We focused our effort on ensuring the safe operation of employees in production: he threw the change, reducing the contacts between them, has imposed additional requirements on hygiene and disinfection in the workplace, provided employees with personal protection equipment. Many of our employees also worked in distance learning format and noted the high effectiveness of this work. During these months, digital technologies are an integral part of life. Despite the fear of change, we quickly adapt to the new reality, and will apply this knowledge and experience in dalfurther work. And in the new circumstances, we continue to maintain an intense work pace, so that after the pandemic successfully to get back in line without losing competitive qualities.
Until the pandemic is not over, the increased need for the disinfection of dwellings, offices, etc., as well as funds for individual applications are stored. Can you give advice on the correct use of detergents and cleaning products?
Tomasz Duffek: major role in maintaining cleanliness in the house play household habits. Cleaning should be regular, in periods of seasonal virus infections we recommend you to pay special attention to wet cleaning. Pay attention to areas that especially need constant hygiene of surfaces: kitchen and bathroom. Wash plumbing fixtures, especially faucets, because often we open them with unwashed hands. We also recommend the use of detergents for washing machines and dishwashers as described in the large doses and, if possible, at elevated temperatures from 60 degrees and above.
we Recently launched a campaign of “highest purity to protect the house” for which he created a special marking on the packaging of products, to allow consumers to easily navigate when choosing the right cleaning products.
