This year, Continental Tobacco Corp. once again celebrated the achievements of its employees in a fitting manner: the company held its 18th traditional Kossuth Awards ceremony, recognizing colleagues who delivered the most outstanding performances of the year. Twenty employees received this prestigious honor, presented jointly by CEO Csaba Füzi and the company’s owners. The event took place at the Rákóczi Hotel, Camp, and Event Center, which also hosted the company’s Christmas celebration. With nearly 500 participants—including employees and invited guests—this year’s event marked the largest Christmas gathering in the company’s history.

During the grand awards ceremony, Csaba Füzi, CEO, reflected on the company’s achievements over the past year. In 2024, the Continental Tobacco Group made significant investments, including implementing a 1.2 billion HUF energy efficiency program. The company modernized its production facilities, and the installation of solar panels will allow renewable energy to cover 15% of total energy consumption starting in February. Additionally, a new 1,200 m² warehouse was completed at the Pataki Street Industrial Park using only internal funds, without external support or loans. At the same time, a contract was signed for the construction of a 3,600 m² finished goods warehouse, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, and preparations are underway for a new greenfield manufacturing plant expected to be ready in the second half of 2026.

The company’s financial performance was equally remarkable: in 2023, net revenue exceeded 77 billion HUF, earning Continental 13th place in the TOP100 rankings for Borsod County, improving its standing from the previous year. Alongside its business successes, the company also excelled in corporate social responsibility: it launched employee health screenings and continued its dual education program and university scholarship initiatives. These efforts reflect the company’s 133-year tradition, which continues to make it a key player in the local labor market and the Hungarian economy.

Despite the uncertain economic environment, 2024 was a year of significant growth and development for the company. The number of employees increased from 651 to 730, making Continental Tobacco Group the largest employer in the region. The creation of new jobs was driven by expanding market opportunities and investments that also secure the company’s future growth.

In 2024, Continental Tobacco Corp. further strengthened its international presence and achieved market leadership in filter cigarillo products in three European countries: Hungary, Spain, and Greece. Export performance also saw exceptional growth, with cigarette export volumes increasing by 80% and cigarillo exports by nearly 5%.

The highlight of the Christmas celebration, in line with tradition, was the presentation of the Kossuth Awards, recognizing the exceptional contributions of the company’s employees. This year, 20 employees received the award, which was presented by CEO Csaba Füzi and company owners Jr. János Sánta and Balázs Veszelovszky. The prestigious award is named after one of the company’s most famous products, the Kossuth cigarette, which was marketed for 63 years and was the company’s last non-filtered cigarette.

In his speech, CEO Csaba Füzi emphasized that this year had been extraordinarily successful for the company in terms of both financial performance and industrial development. “The growing market opportunities and expansion of our industrial capacities have presented new challenges, but thanks to the dedication and cooperation of our colleagues, we have risen to meet them,” he said.

Continental Tobacco Corp. proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of its employees and remains committed to upholding traditions, delivering quality work, fostering innovation, and contributing to the economic and social development of the region. Congratulations to the Employees of the Year!