In this interview, Prokopije Perić, CEO of Plus d.o.o. Podgorica, reflects on the company’s success built on strategic planning, investment in employees, and partnerships with global brands like JTI, Loreal, and Hausbrandt. As the company looks ahead, Perić reveals exciting product launches and ongoing efforts to stay ahead in a competitive market. He also shares insights on the company’s substantial economic impact, contributing over 43 million EUR in excise taxes in 2023 alone, with expectations to surpass 51 million EUR by the end of 2024.
Your current market position is built on consistency, strategic planning, acquisitions of other quality companies, and, most importantly, investment in your employees. It seems there’s no reason to change this successful formula, right?
— I completely agree with you. We continue at the same pace, always striving to improve our market foresight and enhance our planning.
Unfortunately, long-term planning has become nearly impossible due to constant changes both globally and locally. Despite this, all of our employees are essential to the planning process.
As the only company in the market without sub-wholesalers or central supply chains, our sales reps and merchandisers are truly “our eyes and ears” in the field. Each of them, along with their supervisors and managers, closely monitors market dynamics, listening to the needs of consumers and retail outlets and reporting back to senior management. Thanks to the information they provide, we’ve been able to make many crucial and successful strategic decisions.
Even though you’ve had another excellent season, you’re already planning new business moves and working to improve both the quality and quantity of services. Always ahead of the competition and ahead of the times?
— If you want to remain a market leader, you really must be in a constant process of improving the products and services you offer. We recently launched PLOOM devices for smokeless tobacco products under the WINSTON STICK brand in partnership with JTI. Although the competition in this segment is fierce, results just three months after the launch are more than satisfying.
We are striving to improve our market foresight and enhance our planning
The most important thing is that consumers recognise the significant difference in the quality of the devices as well as the WINSTON sticks themselves. For those seeking an alternative to traditional cigarettes, we’ve finally delivered a top-quality product. I’d also like to take this opportunity to announce the upcoming launch of the ORA ITO special edition PLOOM device, which will soon be available across Montenegro.
Additionally, Loreal has informed us of several innovative and improved products in the hair and skincare categories. HAUSBRANDT has introduced the first professional capsule coffee machine in Montenegro, ideal for companies with fewer employees who still want to provide high-quality coffee to their staff. It’s both our obligation and privilege to keep pace with and support our partners, who are recognised globally for their innovation.
In 2023, you contributed 43 million EUR to Montenegro’s budget from cigarette excise taxes. What are the expectations for 2024, and how is the situation in other categories?
— In 2024, during the first nine months, we’ve already paid over 42 million EUR in excise taxes for tobacco products, and by the year’s end, this amount will exceed 51 million EUR. This represents over 45% of the total excise taxes collected for tobacco products in Montenegro. We’re perhaps even more focused on other categories than cigarettes, as the competition is greater.
For us, collaboration with all our partners is extremely important, and we never differentiate based on the size or scope of the partnership. We’re equally dedicated to all because each contributes to our success in their own way. Without partners like Loreal, Essity, Hausbrandt, Banjalučka Brewery, and others, PLUS d.o.o. Podgorica wouldn’t be what it is today in the market. Each industry represented by these companies has its own specificities, helping us better understand the market and apply best practices across different industries.
In 2024, during the first nine months, we’ve already paid over 42 million EUR in excise taxes for tobacco products, and by the year’s end, this amount will exceed 51 million EUR. This represents over 45% of the total excise taxes collected for tobacco products in Montenegro
