Hungarian oil company Mol inaugurated its first service station in Romania that includes the Fresh Corner concept, on Tuesday, July 28. This concept includes more fresh food, groceries, and a wider variety of coffee, according to Mol’s representatives. The new Mol gas stations will thus compete not only with other fuel distributors but also with smaller supermarkets.

The new Mol station is located near Ploiesti and is part of a pilot program which will include a total of five units to be opened by the end of this year.

The other four stations featuring the Fresh Corner concept will be opened in Bucharest and Sibiu. Mol plans to renew a part of its fuel distribution network in 2016, using the results of this pilot project.

“Fresh Corner is a regional concept, which was implemented after extensive research in several countries. We will closely monitor how the Romanian drivers will integrate the new products in their daily shopping routine,” said Camelia Ene, Head of Retail with Mol Romania.

Coffee will be one of the main products of the new Fresh Corner. The concept offers a self-serving coffee machine with 26 types of coffee as well as a barista who prepares coffee to go or to serve in the gas station. The units will also sell fresh bakery products, fresh dairy products, desserts, as well as groceries such as flour, sugar, rice, beans, and canned food.

Mol Romania is the fourth largest fuel distributor in Romania. Last year, the group had a turnover of EUR 970 million. The group recently finalised the takeover of the Agip gas stations from Italian group Eni, which will strengthen its market position.

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editor@romania-insider.com