Produkty Pitania: A great place to work
— 2006-10-26 —
Produkty Pitania continues to grow
In a little over a decade, Produkty Pitania has become a major player in the Russian convenience foods market. Just ask Galina Gerasimova, the company’s General Director.
“It’s a constantly evolving market. Today’s busy consumers don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. They want to spend it relaxing with their families or pursuing other interests. So they’re buying more and more frozen convenience products. And we want them to have the very best. That’s what has made Produkty Pitania so successful – a great selection of high-quality products at an affordable price.”
Legislative initiatives have also had an impact on the convenience foods market, compelling Produkty Pitania to replace some of its older, more traditional products with an attractive line of gourmet foods.
According to Gerasimova, retailers and consumers alike are looking for value-added products – for example, entrees that taste like home cooking. “Our company has responded to this demand by keeping up with the latest in production technology. And in doing so, we will regularly go outside the region looking for experienced workers and checking out our competition. Strategic growth is one of our company’s cornerstone principles.”
One of the region’s largest employers, Produkty Pitania provides jobs for some 1,000 Kaliningrad residents – attracting many of the region’s most qualified workers. Company employees - like Valeria Gerasimova who has worked at the plant for six years – are quick to sing the company’s praises.
“My work is so interesting, with something new to do every day.” Having recently been promoted to team leader, Gerasimova’s feels well-rewarded for her efforts. “This company appreciates personal initiative. So its salaries grow with employee efficiency. Produkty Pitania also offers a comprehensive benefits package, and that’s important these days.”
Liudmila Teremyazeva is yet another happy worker, having come to the plant seven months ago after graduating from the university. Her department designs and introduces new products.
As Teremyazeva is quick to point out, Produkty Pitania offered her an exceptional opportunity in spite of her youth and inexperience. “I tried to get a job with another company but they did not hire me because I was too young for them. At this plant they were willing to give me a chance to prove my talent. And as a large company, Produkty Pitania offers excellent growth potential. Everyone is always there to help me, and given the number of foreign experts who visit our plant, we have plenty of opportunities to compare notes. I even took English courses to be more effective at my job.”
For Galina Gerasimova, hiring bright young workers is essential to Produkty Pitania’s success as a major market player. “We always have room for employees who are good team members and eager to learn. In fact, because our company is always in the market for specialists, we offer plenty of professional training, in addition to great benefits like free transportation to and from the plant, free lunches, and good salaries.”