De’longhi brand offers innovative household appliances with a recognizable combination of Italian style and performances.
Nataša Bagić, De’Longhi Balkans Marketing Manager talks for Diplomacy&Commerce about the habit of drinking coffee in our country, but also about the latest research about the ways we enjoy our coffee. As a leader in her team, she says that good and quality people are the key to success in any line of business.
- De’Longhi is a global brand of high-quality coffee makers. How aware are the people in our area of this way of preparing coffee, compared to the traditional one, and how would you rate the market in Croatia? Within our wide range of household appliances, coffee makers are functional and offer elegant lines and innovative combinations, colors and materials. Awareness of this type of product has certainly been on the rise for the past few years, and the rapid change in trends at a global level is also coming to our region. Our region is certainly in the lead when it comes to the consumption and preparation of the traditional way of coffee, but the lifestyle definitely influences the acceptance of these new global trends, and the interest in buying coffee makers, both those only for espresso and automatic ones for simple one-touch preparation, is increasing day by day.
- As the Marketing Manager for De’Longhi Balkans, how would you rate the differences in the markets and habits in the region?
Differences are always present, but I don’t think they are significant. When it comes to coffee, we are all the same! The habit of drinking coffee in our Balkan region has a really long tradition. In all our markets, consumers are known for their love of coffee. A day that begins without a sip of their favourite coffee is almost unimaginable for the average coffee lover. However, everyone has their preferences when it comes to the ritual of drinking coffee, because it is known that each individual considers these rituals to be their safe haven, a time spent well that can reset even the most stressful day and raise good vibrations to a desirable level.
The research we recently conducted shows that coffee drinkers prefer coffee with milk (94%) than with cream (6%). As much as 71% of them say that they drink coffee for relaxation, and 29% to spend time with friends. However, the majority of coffee drinkers, 58% of them, prefer to drink coffee in company rather than alone.
- Some countries of the region are EU members, some are not. What are the main differences in doing business on these markets?
The differences are mainly operative, I really don’t think that EU membership separates us in habits when it comes to drinking and enjoying coffee.
- As a woman in business, what are your experiences when we talk about the position of women and how much is the position, attitude and perception of women in managerial positions changing?
I think that there is definitely a positive shift, but honestly, this has never burdened me too much, because I really think that what’s important for success is that someone loves and enjoys their job. Fortunately, I have many years of positive marketing experience and I developed a career in various international companies in different positions, but I am still excited about new challenges, a good result, progress, interesting information or experience, and that is really my biggest motivation, which leads me to a new day.
All this would not be possible without a good and positive team and that is why building and leading a team is my additional inspiration and motivation in the Delonghi Company, or as they would say at Delonghi, #Perfetto combination!
- What are your plans and how will De’Longhi make us happy in the coming period?
This year we have really prepared excellent novelties, so you can already find our new devices Magnifica Start and La Specialista Arte on the markets. Like the rest of our wide range, these devices provide an ideal combination of recognizable style and top performance.
The Magnifica Start embodies experience, know-how and De’Longhi technology, and it was specially designed to introduce the world of automatic espresso machines to beginners and coffee lovers looking for a one-touch experience with a modern design.
The De’Longhi La Specialista line is now complete with its latest addition, the La Specialista Arte, a compact and elegant espresso coffee maker.
La Specialista Arte opens the door to the world of quality barista coffee because it creates an authentic experience of coffee like in a coffee shop. It allows control of grinding, dosing and temperature for the best taste and extraction of coffee beans. La Specialista Arte is designed to enhance every experience of coffee and milk preparation, from extracting the best from each type of bean and discovering their aromatic flavors, to experimenting with handmade latte art. Thanks to De’Longhi technology, experience and know-how, coffee explorers can experience a light but refined coffee brewing adventure.