Industry of Fruits and Vegetables-Romania

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10044017

Market survey Romania - Fruits and Vegetables

This Market special is carried out by Business Development Group, by order of EVD and in cooperation with the Dutch embassy in Bucharest.

Further information: EVD

Market adviser: Annemarieke Roelfzema

Telephone: +31 70 778 89 17 | Email: [email protected]

EVD

November

2009



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©November 2009The ministry of Economic Affairs, EVD

EVD supplies this information for free. The content needs to be available for free for ourclients, Dutch companies. It is not allowed to multiply or publish anything out of this editionby photocopy, microfilm or on any other possible way, without previous notice of thepublisher. In spite of all the care that is taken over this edition, the Ministry of EconomicAffairs cannot be held legally liable for possible inaccuracy.



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Table of content

1 Summary ........................................................................................................................................5

2 The Structure of the Romanian Market for fruits and vegetables ..................................................6

2.1 General considerations regarding the market for fruits and vegetables in Romania....... 6

2.2 Production of fruits and vegetables.................................................................................. 7

2.2.1 Production areas ......................................................................................... 9

2.2.2 Fruits............................................................................................................ 9

2.2.3 Vegetables................................................................................................. 11

2.2.4 Greenhouse sector .................................................................................... 11

2.2.5 Processing................................................................................................. 12

2.3 Mushrooms .................................................................................................................... 13

2.4 Potatoes ......................................................................................................................... 13

2.5 Vineyards ....................................................................................................................... 15

2.6 Major governmental institutions and main legislation .................................................... 15

2.7 Main players................................................................................................................... 18

2.7.1 Small farmers ............................................................................................ 18

2.7.2 Commercial farmers .................................................................................. 19

2.7.3 Producer organizations.............................................................................. 21

2.7.4 Retailers .................................................................................................... 22

2.7.5 Wholesalers............................................................................................... 23

2.7.6 Processors................................................................................................. 24

2.7.7 Horeca ....................................................................................................... 25

2.7.8 Research & education ............................................................................... 26

2.8 Fact sheet of the sector ................................................................................................. 27

3 Opportunities for the Dutch horticultural sector............................................................................30

3.1 Export of fresh fruits and vegetables ............................................................................. 30

3.2 Imports of fruits and vegetables..................................................................................... 31

3.3 Distribution and retail of fruits and vegetables............................................................... 33

3.4 Quality aspects............................................................................................................... 35

3.5 Main developments in the fruits and vegetables sector & opportunities for market entry

and business development ............................................................................................ 36

4 Contact details main stakeholders ...............................................................................................38

5 Main Fairs and Exhibitions in the fruits and vegetables sector in Romania, 2010.......................50

6 Information sources ......................................................................................................................51



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Abbreviations

ADS State Domain Agency

ANCA National Agency for Agricultural Consultancy

ANIF National Administration for Land Reclamation

APDRP Paying Agency for Rural Development and FisheryAPIA Agency for Paying and Intervention in Agriculture

CAP Common Agricultural Policy

CLCA Local Centre for Agricultural Consultancy

DARD Directorates for Agriculture and Rural Development

DMPHS Directorate for Market Policies in the Horticultural Sector

EAFRD European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

EAGF European Agricultural Guarantee Fund

EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EC European Commission

F&V Fruits & Vegetables

FMCG Fast Moving Consumer Goods

G2G Government to Government

GD Government Decision

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GO Government Ordinance

IACS Integrated Administration and Control System

IFS International Food Standard

INCS National Inspection of Seed Quality

INSSE National Institute of Statistics

ISCTPVLF

Inspection for Technical Control of the Production and Marketing of

Fruits and Vegetables

ISTIS State Institute for Testing and Registering Plant Varieties

KA Key AccountMA Management Authority

MAFRD Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development

NRDP National Rural Development Program

OJCA County Offices for Agricultural Consultancy

OMCA Municipal Office for Agricultural Consultancy

PGB Bucharest Wholesale Market

PGI Protected Geographical Indications

PSO/PSOM Program for Cooperation with Emerging Markets

SA Joint Stock Company

SC Commercial Company

SRL Limited Liability Company



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1 Summary

Business Development Group was commissioned by the Netherlands Agency for International

Business and Cooperation (EVD) to carry out the present survey of the Romanian Market of Fruits and

Vegetables, for the benefit of Dutch companies and organizations with a strategic interest in accessing

this market.

The report presents a comprehensive view of the market, developed with the help of both desk study

and field research, including interviews with local players (horticultural suppliers, fruits and vegetables

producers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, logistics operators, etc.), relevant organizations

(authorities, professional associations, etc.), and individuals (end users, key experts, etc.). The

resulting survey provides a detailed insight into different aspects of the market, by compiling strategic

information that will allow Dutch enterprises to strengthen their local market position. The report also

answers a series of main questions that are especially relevant for Dutch SMEs, and combines in-

depth knowledge of sector specificity with the practical tools for capitalizing on development

opportunities in this market. As the Dutch (beneficiary) group is not homogeneous, the survey offers

tailored information and advice for various categories, such as suppliers of input, equipment,

technology & final products, potential investors and traders.

In the first part of the report, Dutch companies can get a better understanding of the structure of the

Romanian market of fruits and vegetables, including real size and characteristics, market profile and

potential by sub-sector, quantitative indicators, detailed structure analysis, specific business practices,

key players, risks and opportunities. Special attention is paid to major players (especially large retail

chains), but also to the peasant markets and small producers/traders. As information is generally not

fully available from official sources, field investigation was the main instrument of determining real

trends, facts and figures. As there are differences between Dutch and Romanian approach as regards

including mushrooms, potatoes and vineyards in the fruits and vegetables sector the three categories

are treated separately within the report.

The second part of the report focuses on opportunities for the Dutch horticultural sector, especially

aspects in which Dutch companies have good market openings through competitive advantage –

quality (production input, technology and final products), commercial know-how, and logistics. There is

a special chapter reserved for opportunities for market entry and business development which aims to

formulate the essential principles for Dutch success in the Romanian fruit and vegetables market. The

report is rounded off with a list of upcoming promotional events in 2010 as well as a consistent list of

major stakeholders in the sector, which can be a used as a strong basis for initiating business

relationships with key local players.



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2 The Structure of the Romanian Market for fruits andvegetables

Map 1: Map of Romania with counties

Romania is one of the most important horticultural producers from the European Union, with a totalcultivated surface ranking 6

th(after France, Spain, Poland, Italy and Germany) and accounting for

about 5% in total EU production volume.

Even on a descending trend from levels before 1990, the agriculture played an important role inRomania’s economic transition mainly as an occupational “buffer” absorbing a large part of the labourforce laid off from industry as result of post communist restructuring.

As of 2007, one third of Romania’s labour force was active in agriculture (a level high above the EUaverage of 5.9%) while the sector had a solid 6.7% contribution to the national GDP. The ration ofarable land to the number of inhabitants in Romania is 0.42 ha/inhabitant, a value also above that ofmost European countries, and almost double that of the European average (0.236 ha/inhabitant).Despite the comparative advantages of the country given by the abundance of arable land and afavourable climate, the Romanian agriculture suffers from fragmentation and obsolete productionmethods.

The Romanian agriculture sector is often referred to as a significant beneficiary of European Union

membership because EU integration can give Romanian farmers the opportunity to upgrade andaccess to a market with more than 500 million consumers. Romania is now in its 3

rdyear of

implementing EU regulations with regard to the common organization of the fruits and vegetablesmarket. The EU financial support has been the engine for the investments needed to raise the sector’scompetitiveness and helping local farmers improve efficiency through upgraded technology.

2.1 General considerations regarding the market for fruits and vegetablesin Romania

The total consumption (industrial processing and individual consumption) of fruits and vegetables in

Romania is on an increasing trend after 2001, with an average growth rate of 10% per year, reaching

5.6 million tons in 2008 (equivalent for about 260 kg per capita).



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Table 1: Monthly average consumption of fruits and vegetables, per capita,

-Kilograms-

2005 2006 2007

Potatoes

Vegetables and fresh and canned

-carrots and edible roots

-tomatoes-dry onion

-cabbage and cauliflower

-bullion

-canned vegetables

Fruits

-apples and pears

-cherry and sour cherry

-apricots and peaches

-plums

-citrus, exotic and other tropical fruits

Pulses

4.028

6.769

0.660

0.8250.831

0.651

0.304

0.175

2.560

1.306

0.075

0.088

0.096

0.606

0.452

3.705

6.987

0.661

1.0070.814

0.714

0.280

0.168

2.705

1.214

0.069

0.108

0.110

0.727

0.428

3.639

7.036

0.693

1.0320.798

0.678

0.300

0.182

3.082

1.364

0.077

0.123

0.074

0.877

0.398Source: INSSE

The current level of total consumption for fresh fruits and vegetables is estimated by MAFRD at

120 kg/capita/year out of which fruits vary between 40 and 60 kg/capita/year. This is lower than

European average of approximately 180-200 kg/capita/year.

The weight of local products in total consumption is increasing up to 60% for vegetables from May to

October while for fruits the imports represents 70% to 75% all year long.

Most popular fruits are apples, grapes, plums, citrus fruits, bananas, pears, sour cherries, peaches and

nectarines. The market for fresh vegetables is dominated by cabbage, tomatoes, onions, carrots,

sweet peppers, cucumbers and garlic . Potatoes and melons are also major product categories.

Consumption on the Romanian market has the tendency to orientate towards domestic fruits and

vegetables, not only because lack of awareness but also because the local perception is that they are

more natural and tasteful. The Romanian consumer is rather conservative even if in the last years

important changes in mentality can be noticed as regards both willingness to pay more for a quality

product and the choice for new varieties.

Total market value is currently estimated at 1 billion EUR also on an increase trend based on the

domination of imports and increased prices of local production. The sales of fresh fruits and vegetablesare highly seasonal with 70-80% growth during the warm season compared to winter. The constant

market increase after 2001 relates to the improvement of the purchasing power, increase of awareness

and sophistication of consumer taste as well as the development of the retail and HoReCa sectors.

2.2 Production of fruits and vegetables

The country has a century-long tradition of family farming interrupted by the nationalization andcommunisation of farmland during the communist regime. In this period, traditional farms werereplaced, in most areas, by state-controlled administrative structures. The inhabitants of rural areas

gradually became employees of the state, paid in cash, or in cash and agricultural products.After 1989 and the fall of the communist regime, the nationalized lands were gradually returned to theiroriginal owners.



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The legal framework for this action was composed of a series of laws that had a deep impact on theproduction systems, the post-harvest processing, the agricultural infrastructure, research andconsultancy leading to a dramatic decrease of local production .

The area cultivated with vegetables in 2008 represented 2.9% of the agricultural surface, while fruittrees accounted for 1.7%. The private sector controls approx. 98% of the total surface, the 2% balancebeing state property (horticultural research centres or directly under State Domain Administration).

Romania’s horticultural production amounts on average to 4.9 million tons per year, 35% of which

vegetables and melons, 35% potatoes, 15% grapes and 15% fruits.

The structure of the production per varieties was highly influenced by the evolution of the demand onthe market and the aging of the existing patrimony in both the fruit and vegetables sectors.

Table 2: Romania’s Horticultural Production

Surface

Thousand ha

Production

Thousand tons

2006 2007 2008 2009* 2006 2007 2008 2009*

Vegetables

(including melons)

280 253 269 232 4,139 3,117 3,809 3,054

Potatoes 278 268 255 4,016 3,712 3,649

Fruits trees 157 156 149 161 660 673 710

Vineyards 191 188 189 912 873 992

Source: The Romanian Food Sector, Agricultural Office of Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bucharest,August 2009, INSSE, MAFRD *Provisional data for the first 9 months of the year

While for vegetables the figures show a decrease of production and harvested surface, the first ninemonths of 2009 bring better results for the fruits where both production and harvested surface

increased – a direct consequence of the latest investments in the sector as presented further in thereport.

The average levels of fruits production in the 3 years before Romania’s accession to the EU show thedomination of apples (with a production of over 5,000 thousand tons) and plum s (with 2,700 thousandtons) while other categories are registering lower levels.

Table 3: Structure of Fruit Production-Thousand tons-

Source: MAFRD

As regards the production of vegetables cabbage, tomatoes, aubergine, garlic and melons contributesignificantly to the EU production output:

Variety Apple Pear Peach Apricot Cherry Plum Nectarine Walnut Strawberry

RomaniaFruit-

GrowingProduction(average2004-2006)

5,363 262 124 137 373 2,768 6 181 180



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Table 4: Romanian Production of Vegetables-Thousand tons-

Variety Cabbage Tomato Cucumber YellowMellon

WaterMellon

Aubergine Garlic Onion Peas Greenbeans

Productionaverage2004-2006,(thousandtons)

6,790 3,637 640 533 6,467 1,001 511 2,700 189 447

EU27Vegetablesproductionaverage2004-2006,(thousandtons)

37,900 17,5850 21,480 23,640 28,410 8,150 3,100 54,900 7,820 11,500

ShareRomania inEU (%)

17.9 2.1 3.0 2.3 22.8 12.3 16.5 4.9 2.4 3.9

Source: MAFRD

For 2009 the production is expected to be higher for cucumbers, peppers and cabbage (as a result ofintroducing more productive varieties) but lower for carrots and onion .

2.2.1 Production areas

As of 2005, 25.9% of EU-27 holdings growing fresh vegetables, melons and strawberries were locatedin Romania.

The Romanian soil map below gives an indication of the variety of soil categories and their location inRomania. Romania’s climate and soil offers favourable conditions to fruit trees and shrubs, which arecultivated, according to their biological demands, throughout the country, from low plains to altitudesabove 800-1,000 m.

Map 2: Romanian Soil Categories

2.2.2 Fruits

The fruit tree patrimony (orchards and nurseries) used to cover 290 thousand ha in the 1980’s

representing 2% of Romania’s agricultural surface at that time.



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After 1990 the fruit tree patrimony constantly diminished, to as low as 142.3 thousand ha in 2005.Currently the surface covered with fruit trees represents 1.7% of the total agricultural surfacerespectively 2.2% of the total cultivated surface.

The big socialist orchards of 200-300 hectares/unit were fragmented by land restitution and graduallydiminished due to lack of resources and knowledge of the private owners. As a result the number ofviable orchards is currently very low with a generally aged tree patrimony and a low regenerationrhythm. Each year, 2,000 ha are newly cultivated with various fruit trees, while over 30 times as many

ha are in decline.

The production statistics point out that the main fruit tree species in Romania are plum, apple, cherry and sour cherry . Plum tree is still having an extensive presence of up to 50% of the existing orchards(used to be 70-80% up to the Second World War), with local varieties cultivated mainly for distillationuse.

Crops systems are still extensive (for example apple trees are cultivated with densities of 800-1,200trees/ha as compared with western standards of 2,500-3,000 trees/ha) and high productivity varietiesare used at very low levels (for example grafting rootstock M9 generally used in Europe is seldompresent in Romanian orchards). The Romanian fruits are of inferior quality, up to 35-50% being usedfor processing.

From the point of view of areas and total number of trees, the largest concentrations of orchards are in:- sub-Carpathian area of Oltenia and Muntenia (Arges, Valcea, Prahova, Buzau, Dambovita, Olt

and Dolj counties)1

- North-East Transylvania (Bistrita Nasaud, Salaj, Satu Mare, Maramures and Bihor counties)

The zoning of orchards, based on the tree species criteria, is as follows:- apple trees

o favourable areas, average annual temperature 8-9OC + 700-800 mm annual

precipitationso mid sub-Carpathian area (Arges, Valcea, Dambovita, Prahova counties)o North-West Romania (Bistrita Nasaud, Maramures, Salaj, Cluj, Satu-Mare, Bihor

counties)o North Moldaviao also good conditions: Mures, Sibiu, Bacau, Iasi, Buzau, Dolj, Caras Severin,

Timisoara, Arad, Hunedoara, Alba, Gorj, Mehedinti, Olt, Brasov, Harghita, Botosani,Vaslui and Vrancea counties

- plum treeso widely cultivated in most of Romania o favourable areas, average annual temperature 9-10

OC + precipitations 650-700 mm

annually o counties: Arges, Valcea, Olt, Prahova, Buzau, Caras Severin, Hunedoara, Dambovita,

Mehedinti, Arad, Salaj, Bihor, Cluj - cherry and sour cherry trees

o on all forms of reliefo most often found in the following counties: Iasi, Vaslui, Botosani, Bacau, Neamt,

Vrancea, Arges, Giurgiu, Dolj

- pear treeso less cultivated in Romaniao favourable areas, maximum temperature in July and August 24-26

OC + minimum

temperature in July 10-12OC

o counties: Arges, Prahova, Buzau, Dambovita, Valcea, Dolj, Mehedinti, Caras-Severin,Timisoara, Arad, Bihor, Neamt, Bacau, Suceava, Botosani, Iasi, Mures

- apricot treeso the most climate-sensitive specieso mostly found in S Romania: Dolj, Giurgiu, Calarasi, Constanta, Ialomita, Tulcea, Olt

Teleorman countieso also found in W Romania: Bihor, Arad counties

- peach treeso mostly found in S and W Romania: Dolj, Constanta, Giurgiu, Olt, Mehedinti, Bihor,

Arad counties + Bucharest area

1For county location see map under Summary chapter



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- other species: walnut trees, chestnut trees, fruit shrubs, strawberries present all around thecountry, with concentrations in several micro-zones

o walnut tree in the Targu Jiu (Gorj) and Geoagiu (Hunedoara) areao chestnut tree in Gorj and Maramures countieso strawberries in Satu Mare, Olt, Valcea counties

2.2.3 Vegetables

Romania has a high potential for producing field vegetables, mainly due to the high natural fertility of

soils and the diversity of the climate. Based on those parameters the following zones are determined:

• Zone I medium annual temperature 10-11OC, precipitations 400-500 mm/year, relative air

humidity 30-60%, soil categories: steppe brown, chestnut and brown chernozem (mainly inSouth Romania and the Western Plains), availability of irrigations.

• Zone II medium annual temperature 5-11OC, precipitations 550-650 mm/year, relative air

humidity 65-70%, types of soil: chocolate and degraded chernozem, forest brown, swamps,meadows, solidified sandy soils (mainly in Moldavian sub-Carpathians, Satu Mare region inNorth Romania).

• Zone III medium annual temperature 6-8OC, precipitations 600-650 mm/year, relative air

humidity 65-70%, types of soil: chernozem, brown forest soil, weak or medium podzolite soils,alluvial soils (mainly in the Transylvania Plateau-centre Romania).

The territorial development of the main vegetable crops is based on the utilization of the environmental

conditions for best economic profitability:

- Tomato crops (early, semi-early and late), representing 25% of all surfaces cultivated with

vegetables are located in zone I and II, in specialised areas for different varieties. Main

geographical zones are Arad (Arad), Sanicolau Mare (Timis), Bailesti (Dolj), Alexandria, Zimnicea,

Vidra (Teleorman).

- Onion crops are to be found in S Romania, Western Plains and Iasi county.

- Peppers are generally cultivated in zone I and II in similar conditions as tomatoes.

- Cabbage, a highly adaptable crop, can be found in all regions (early crops mostly in South and

Western Romania).

- Garden peas around canneries, mostly in zone II.

- Garden beans, more demanding plants are still cultivated in all zones including early crops.However a second crop can be obtained generally in South Romania.

- Cucumbers, even if sensitive to heat, are traditionally cultivated in the south of the country but

also in the Transylvania Plateau and N Moldavia based on favourable micro-zones conditions.

- Root vegetables have favourable conditions all over the country but best productions are obtained

in the Western plains and centre Transylvania. Production expanded also in the radius of the big

cities based on constant demand.

2.2.4 Greenhouse sector

Before 1989 Romania ranked second in Europe after the Netherlands with a total surface of 2,500 ha

greenhouses.

In the last 20 years this surface constantly diminished due to the increase of energy costs in

connection with the gradual reduction of state involvement in the field. The greenhouses were

generally set up in the proximity of city power plants using steam as heating agent at preferential

prices. Along with the restructuring of the energy sector (privatisation of main players) the preferential

regime was not possible anymore the solution was to privatise also the greenhouses. Competition in

real market conditions resulted in closing down many operations especially in the beginning of 2000’s,

most of the traditional units becoming more interesting as real estate opportunities.

One interesting example is the Isalnita greenhouses (nearby Craiova, Dolj) the biggest in the world at

its establishment in 1969 (200 ha). The company was privatised in 1998 and in order to cope with the

increase of energy costs, set up its own heating station and reduced the production range to one

variety: cucumbers mainly for processing. Other three major greenhouses Codlea (Brasov), Agroser

Campia Turzii (Cluj) and Orser (Oradea) were also privatized (same format-same owner) became

bankrupt in 1-2 years, the equipment was sold as scrap and the land became target for future

residential projects.



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As a direct consequence of the reduction in surfaces, the level of vegetable production in greenhouses

decreased severely from 203 thousand tons in 1991, to a minimum of 48 thousand tons in 2000,

picking up after 2001 but nowadays still far from levels before 1989. In 2007 the total surface of

greenhouses used for fruits and vegetables reached 420 ha, while current MAFRD estimations are a

2000ha surface would cover the current domestic demand.

The main vegetables grown in greenhouses in Romania are: tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, peppers .The main downsizing factors for the greenhouse sector remain:

- high energy costs (the economic efficiency and productivity of greenhouse per hectare areconditioned by the ability to facilitate appropriate growth and development conditions for plants,by compensating for exterior climate with heating; heating expenses represent over 65% of totalgreenhouse costs)

- high costs of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, etc) and irrigation works- lack of qualified labour force- the seasonal nature of production; the intensive production of vegetables takes place over 2

production cycles (with the exception of the new greenhouses in Pipera designed for continuousproduction cycle): cycle I 1 November – 30 April; cycle II 1 July – 31 December

- specificity of consumption habits: Romanian consumers are unaccustomed to consuming fresh

vegetables during winter time (demand picks up starting May)- lack of an efficient storage & distribution system- high bureaucracy in setting up a new facility (same permits are required as for regular building- market conditions (unfair competition of un-organized market, strong competition from imported

products)

The majority of private owned greenhouses currently active in Romania are small surfaces solariums(plastic tunnels generally on wooden structures), rarely operated on commercial basis (more for selfconsumption). The largest concentration of plastic tunnels is in Matca (Galati) on approximately 125ha. Main problem there is the absence of storage facilities in the area; a producer group is currentlyunder establishment aiming at gathering local owners and identify a partner/investor to build collectingcentre & warehouse.

Major commercial glasshouses still functional are:

Leoser (Popesti Leordeni, Ilfov) – 120 ha (heated) Berser (Berceni, Bucharest) – 30 ha (heated) Pipera (Bucharest, member of Leader International) – 13 ha (heated) Leader Constanta (Constanta, member of Leader International) – 36 ha (unheated) Agro Codlea (Arad) – 14 ha (heated) Agroindustrial Sere Izvoarele Neamt (Neamt) – 22 ha (heated)

2.2.5 Processing

In Romania there are 89 processing and canning units functional with a total capacity of 237 thousandtons fruits and vegetables. The processed fruits and vegetables production amounts to 11% of the totalhorticultural production in Romania. The consumption of canned vegetables is estimated at 6.5-6.8kg/inhabitant and for canned fruits of 2.1-2.4 kg/inhabitant, in 2008.

The main factors that currently influence the buyer’s decision in the canned fruits and vegetablessector are: shelf life, the use of preservatives and the actual percentage of fruits or vegetablescontained by the product. Price is also an important factor, but consumers are not willing to give up onquality to save on price. According to the National Producer’s Association Romconserv , Romaniansprefer local brands of canned fruits and vegetables.

The main distribution channels for canneries are modern retail chains, which have, consequently,

become the main target for the direct sales of processors.



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Some of the main challenges that processors of fruits and vegetables face are: vegetables, as raw materials, are difficult and costly to produce and harvest, especially

tomatoes, pepper, eggplants and root vegetables retail chains have hidden taxes (display, shelf positioning, store openings, remodelling,

promotions, etc.) which directly affect producers

These challenges have led to a modification in the structure of fruits and vegetables canneries. Some

of the top players in the industry have opted to become vertically integrated – they own the

greenhouses and culture fields and control their supply flows of raw material.

Almost 80% of the current processing facilities have been modernized by using own funds and pre-accession EU financing (SAPARD). Over the last 2 years, more than 40 million EUR were invested inprocessing plants for improvement of the quality and profitability of production but also to implementquality standards (HACCP) opening the possibility to export to the EU and international market.Today, the canned goods are in Romania’s top 3 exports of fruits and vegetables.

The processors mostly target retail chains directly, and also focus on exports to countries where thereare consistent Romanian communities. Most canned goods are vegetables: tomatoes in tomato sauce,peas, vegetable mixes, green beans, vegetables in vinegar. Pickles and lactic-fermented vegetablesare gaining market ground, especially in old EU member states. The main canned fruit products are:preserved fruits, jam, natural juice, dried fruits and a traditional plum jam (“magiun” – a registeredRomanian national trademark in the EU).

2.3 Mushrooms

The main mushroom species cultivated in Romania are Agaricus Bisporus (the dung mushroom,inappropriately named "champignon") and Pleurotus Ostreatus (also known as "beech trout").

Other species of mushrooms grown in Romania are:- thermopile white mushroom (Agaricus Edulis)- red sponge (Pleurotus Florida)- brown sponge (Pleurotus Sajor-Caju)

- horn sponge (Pleurotus Cornucopiae)- morel sponge (Coprinus Comatus)- straw mushroom (Stropharia-Rugoso-Annullata)

The main production areas for mushroom cultures are Arad, Harghita, Mures and Olt.

The evolution of production of mushrooms was as follows:

Table 5: Mushroom production in Romania

2006 2007 2008

2,559 tons 1,083 tons 1,664 tons

Source: MAFRD

Out of all the species of mushrooms available for consumption, Romanians prefer the Agaricus while,abroad, Peurotus is the leader in consumer preferences. Pleurotus cultures have seen an explosivedevelopment over the past few years across the world, as they are easy to grow, are low maintenanceand they can be grown on layers of paper waste, sawdust and other types of compost.

In Romania, the main players in mushroom production are Euromix, Eurom Greens, Val PadanaTrans, Boglar Champ, Agaricus SRL. There is also a Romanian Association of Mushroom Producersand Distributors with 34 members.

2.4 Potatoes

Romania is one of the top 20 potato producers in Europe. Potato production followed and ascending

trend until 2006, when it reached 4 million tons.



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Starting with 2007, however, the total quantity began to decrease, as a result of the decrease of

cultivated surface. In 2008, the total surface cultivated with potatoes was 255,000 ha, and production

reached only 3.64 million tons.

The main reasons for this decrease in cultivated surface are:- wholesalers offer low prices to producers (0.08 – 0.10 EUR per kg), due to the predominance of

cheap imports (mostly imports not accepted in other EU states); this price does not coverproduction costs

- production costs reach 2,000 EUR/ha, and yield an average production of 25 t/ha (in some

areas: 40 t/ha)- the high production costs are mainly due to the high price of seed potatoes, pesticides, labour

force and fuel (fuel costs are subsidized at 0.25EUR/l but not exceeding 9.75 EUR/ha and onlyfor crop establishment and not for additional works such as irrigation)

- Romanian CAP subsidies are generally smaller than those received by Western Europeanfarmers

The main areas for growing potatoes are:- central Romania (Brasov, Harghita, Covasna counties)- NE Romania (Neamt, Suceava counties)

Some of the varieties of seed potatoes on the market at the moment area: Condor, Desiree, Laura,

Bellarosa, Minerva, Tresor, Adora, Impala, Almera, Jelly, Cosmos, Inova, Everest, Piccolo Star,

Santana, Saphire, etc.

In 2008, potato cultures benefited from direct payments of 106 EUR/ha and in 2009, the subsidies areset for 116 EUR/ha. The national subsidies are only for potato crops for processing and are of 33EUR/t.

Romania also produces seed potatoes , but the surface reserved for this activity has also decreased.

The main factors limiting the evolution of the seed potatoes sector are:- a lack of subsidies for fighting bacteria (an infestation with Dithylencus Destructor , in 2009

resulted in a large part of production placed under quarantine)- the analyses for quarantine bacteria in potato are done for seed potatoes only in the Central

Phytosanitary Laboratory in Bucharest, the other phyto-sanitary laboratories in the country are

not yet accredited for bacteriological analyses for potatoes.- there are no means of performing counter-testing (enforced legislation does not allow)- risk of spreading bacteria animals eat infested potatoes and contaminate healthy soils- no proper legal framework for protecting authorized producers from the unfair competition of

“small producers”

Romania has a national research & development institute for potatoes and sugar beet, in Brasov, with

two local offices – Targu Secuiesc and Miercurea Ciuc (all potato-growing areas). Brasov also hosted

in 2008 the 17th

edition of the European Association for Potato Research Conference (international

year of the potato).

Dutch knowledge in the sector is present on the market since 1990’s via governmental projects (such

as the PSOM project of STOAS GreenWise, aiming the development of the seed potato sector in the

Covasna and Brasov counties) as well as various commercial initiatives (support to local producers,

cooperation with local producers for development of their operations or setting up own branches in

Romania):

- The Company Agro Turdean Impex from Badeni (Cluj) was set up in 1994 the owner benefiting

from a scholarship in the Netherlands on intensive technolgies for potato cultivation. Today the

company has a 50 ha potato farm and production is delivered for chips production to Star Foods,

one of the largest players in this sector. The seed potatoes (Lady Claire variety) are still coming

from The Netherlands together with other inputs for the farm.

- Another successful example is the project developed by HZPC Holland BV at Astra Trifesti (Iasi).

Dutch potato varieties adapted to particular conditions of the Iasi region are cultivated on 100

hectares using upgraded techniques for cultivation, crop maintenance, harvesting, sorting and



15

packaging (sales mainly on the local institutional market and via and intermediary to McDonald’s

for processing).

- The Dutch company Van Rijn is an active player through its local divisions in Romania: Van Rijn

Balkan in Constanta (Constanta) that produces mainly seed potatoes on 4 ha and Van Rijn

Danubiana, focusing on marketing of the production (and also importing fruits and vegetables).

2.5 Vineyards

In 2008, Romania’s total production of grapes was 800,000 t (both for wine and direct consumption),which ranked it 18

thamong world grape producers, and 6

thamong European grape producers.

Also in 2008, Romania ranked 4th

in Europe as regards the surfaces cultivated with vine (194,000 ha)and 5

thin terms of wine production. In mid-September 2009, the total production of wine grapes was

estimated at 156,000 t, while the production of grapes for consumption totals an estimated 34,000 t.

Half the vine surface in Romania is cultivated with noble vine, significantly beneath the 240,000 ha limitnegotiated with the EU. Ecological vineyards only cover 400 ha, with only 18 farmers of ecological vine

registered to date. The largest vine farmer in Romania is the wine producer Murfatlar, which manages3,000 ha of vine. Over the last 4 years, over 100 million EUR have been invested in the vine and winesector, not only in new technologies but also to set up new vine cultures. Currently, in Romania thereare 8 vine regions, 37 vine estates and 171 vine centres.

The most popular types of grapes for consumption are those locally produced, such as Muscat, Pearlof Csaba, Queen of the Vineyards, Cardinal, Chasselas dore, Early Pance, Muscat de Hamburg,Cinsaut Muscat d’Adda, Aiuz-Ali, Chasselas Napoleon. Among the favourite imported types of grapesare Red Globe, Crimson Seedless, Victoria, Italia.

2.6 Major governmental institutions2 and main legislation

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) is the specialized governmental

institution responsible for elaborating, regulating and implementing national and EU agricultural

policies, as well as modernizing the sectors under its administration: agriculture food production rural development fishing and aquaculture forestry land reclamation optimizing exploitations and preserving soils scientific research

Also, MAFRD is the Management Authority (MA) for EAFRD funding granted for agriculture and rural

development by the EU, through the National Rural Development Program (NRDP). The MAFRD

agency in charge with NRDP management, payments and connected activities is the Paying Agency

for Rural Development and Fishery (APDRP).

MAFRD acts locally, at county level, through its 42 Directorates for Agriculture and Rural Development

(DARD). There is a DARD in each of the 41 counties and 1 in Bucharest.

There are several institutions and directorates involved in transposing and implementing regulations in

the horticultural sector, all subordinated to MAFRD and operating within its framework. Through their

local offices, these organizations must disseminate and enforce, at county and local level, the

obligations set by CE Regulation 2200/96 and CE Regulation 1182/2007, regarding the commonorganization of the fruits and vegetables market.

2 The current institutional structure is expected to be adjusted in 2010 due to government budget cuts



16

The main roles in the fruits and vegetables sector have been allocated to: Directorate for Market Policies in the Horticultural Sector (DMPHS) Directorate for Technical Inspections and Control in the Plant Sector through the State

Inspection for Technical Control of the Production and Marketing of fruits and vegetables(ISCTPVLF)

Paying and Intervention Agency in Agriculture (APIA) National Agency for Agricultural Consultancy (ANCA)

The Directorate for Market Policies in the Horticultural Sector (DMPHS) is subordinated to theGeneral Directorate for Implementing Agricultural Policies, which is part of subordinated to MAFRD.

DMPHS elaborates strategies for the horticultural sector, surveys the status of national production of

fruits and vegetables, as well as of land areas allocated to fruits and vegetables. This Directorate also

collects information with regards to market prices for fruits and vegetables in Romania, which it then

communicates to the EC.

The State Inspection for Technical Control of the Production and Marketing of fruits and

vegetables (ISCTPVLF) is responsible for coordinating control activities for ensuring conformity with

quality (commercial) standards. The conformity control ensures that commercial parameters are

respected for fresh fruits and vegetables, in the entire supply chain, from the producer to the end

consumer. This control is performed according to EU specifications, respecting the methodology

established by CE Regulation 1148/2001. ISCTPVLF is run by the Coordination Authority (at MAFRD

level) and acts through its Control Bodies (at DARD level, for each county). The ministerial body

performs periodic controls at production sites, as well as in fruits and vegetables markets.

The Agency for Paying and Intervention in Agriculture (APIA) has been managing Europeanfunding from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) since 1 January 2007. APIA grantssubsidies as direct payments per hectare, managed by the Integrated Administration and ControlSystem, and implements the market measures foreseen by taken to implement commercialmechanisms according to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). APIA is responsible for: the import-export certificate system guarantees for agricultural imports and exports intervention systems for agricultural products

In order to operate efficiently, APIA has a central coordination unit (at ministry level), 42 county centres

and 210 local centres.

The National Agency for Agricultural Consultancy (ANCA) is a public institution with juridical

status, subordinated to MAFRD. It is responsible for: Informing the rural population about provisions of the Romanian legal framework that are

harmonized with those of the EU Promoting of the rural development programs Providing technical assistance for studies (business, research, etc.) Applying research results in the field of rural development Providing management consultancy for farms

Providing assistance and technical advisory to help farmers access structural funds, otherfinance programs and support measure Supplying vocational training programs to the rural population, in the fields of agriculture, fish

breeding and forestry Disseminating information through events, promotional materials, etc.

ANCA operates at county level through the County Offices for Agricultural Consultancy (OJCA), in

Bucharest through the Municipal Office for Agricultural Consultancy (OMCA), and at commune level

through Local Centres for Agricultural Consultancy (CLCA).

Other MAFRD institutions relevant for the horticultural sector are:

• The State Domain Agency (ADS) is the specialized institution that privatises state agricultural

enterprises and concessions state agricultural lands.• The National Administration for Land Reclamation (ANIF) performs complex works to build

structures and improve soil, in order to ensure the integrated and sustainable development of

agriculture and rural development: irrigations, agro-technical measures, dams, draining,



17

combating soil erosion, increasing agricultural production (switching from subsistence to

commercial agriculture).

• The State Institute for Testing and Registering Plant Varieties (ISTIS) is the only specialized

body of MAFRD responsible for the technical examination of Romanian and foreign varieties,

and for their registration in the official Varieties Catalogue and the Varieties Registry.

• The National Inspection for Seed Quality (INCS) is the official regulatory body, within MAFRD,

with the responsibility of official certification of seeds and propagation material in Romania.

Main European Legislation applicable in RomaniaCouncil Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 establishing common rules for direct support schemes for farmersunder the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, amendingRegulations (EC) No 1290/2005, (EC) No 247/2006, (EC) No 378/2007 and repealing Regulation (EC);

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1580/2007 laying down implementing rules of Council Regulations(EC) No 2200/96, (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector REC1234/2007 – common organization of agricultural markets;

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1973/2004 laying down detailed rules for the application of CouncilRegulation (EC) No 1782/2003 as regards the support schemes provided for in Titles IV and IV a ofthat Regulation and the use of land set aside for the production of raw materials;

Commission Regulation (EC) No 796/2004 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of cross-compliance, modulation and the integrated administration and control system provided for in of CouncilRegulation (EC) No 1782/2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under thecommon agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers.

Main National Legislation in the sectorGovernment Decision (GD) 1078/2008 – granting financial aid to producer groups and producerorganizations from the fruits and vegetable sector;

Government Order (GO) 694/2008 – conditions for recognizing producer groups and organizations inthe fruits and vegetables sector, as well as the means for their financing;

Romania benefits from the system of direct aids to the farmers, being registered in the IntegratedAdministration and Control System (IACS) with a surface for production of fruits &vegetables of169,099.1 ha. In 2007, the methods for supporting farmers directly were established, as premiums andsubsidies, for cultivate surfaces, for sugar cultures, for energy cultures, etc.

In the fruits and vegetables sector, support was directed towards setting up and supporting recognizedproducers groups and implementing the best practice system EUREPGAP for greenhouse vegetablesand mushrooms in climate controlled spaces. Vineyard owners received subsidies for producing winegrapes and producing wine. Also, seed and planting material producers received subsidies forpotatoes, fruit trees and vines.

As regards national support a total of 1,067,073 EUR was made available from the state budget, in2008, for producers of fruits whose orchards were affected by the late spring freeze of 2007.The table

below is presenting main subsidies allocated for 2009 in the horticultural sector:

Table 6: National Subsidies Horticultural Sector, Romania 2009

Subsidized activity Eligible crops Costs

covered

Available aid Total

available aid

Implementing the

EUREPGAP/GLOBALGAP

system for best practices

in the fruits and vegetables

sector

70% of

certification,

analysis,

permit costs

Up to 2,300

EUR/contract

45,000 EUR

Facilitating the operations

of recognized producer

groups

9,000

EUR/group

Vegetables in

greenhouses

140 EUR/t 5 mil EURFinancial support for

- vegetables produced in

heated greenhouses – Mushrooms 180 EUR/t 830,000 EUR



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mushrooms produced in

climate controlled spaces

35% (VAT

excluded) of

heating and/or

electricity bills,

or fuel of any

kind

370,000 EUR

Tomatoes 80 EUR/t 845,000 EUR

Peas 70 EUR/t 210,000 EURGreen beans 80 EUR/t 165,000 EUR

Peppers (all

types)

70 EUR/t 110,000 EUR

Cucumbers 30 EUR/t 35,000 EUR

Apples 35 EUR/t 167,000 EUR

Plums 45 EUR/t 82,000 EUR

Cherries 45 EUR/t 73,000 EUR

Sour cherries 45 EUR/t 28,000 EUR

Peaches 70 EUR/t 35,000 EUR

Financial aid for fruits and

vegetables cultivated for

processing

Grapes for

consumption

70 EUR/t 25,000 EUR

Vegetables –

445,000 EUR

Financial aid for

purchasing packaging

material and other

materials necessary for

packaging and fresh

delivery

Vegetables,

strawberries,

fruit trees and

fruit shrubs

30% of cost of

materials

Up to 1

EUR/piece

Fruit –

220,000 EUR

Storage Onions, root

vegetables,

apples, pears,

grapes for

consumption

30% of

storage

expenses

Up to 15

EUR/t/storage

period

670,000 EUR

Energy for greenhouses Vegetables

and

mushrooms

35% of energy

bills

2.5 mil EUR

Phyto-sanitary treatment

for vineyards

Treatment

costs

110 EUR/ha 510,000 EUR

Supporting production of

potatoes for industrial use

33 EUR/t 890,000 EUR

Source: GD 693/June 10, 2009, exchange rate 1 EUR=4.2 RON

Major limitation factor in using the subsidies is they are paid with substantial delays with direct effectson farmers’ profitability. Some subsidies will continue past 2010, with some modifications accordingwith EU Regulation 1857/2006. Some state aid will continue as payment for services (such ascompensations for natural disasters) and direct support will be given to farmers for financingphyto-sanitary campaigns at national level, new investments including credit guarantees as well asreducing the excise on diesel fuel and electricity used in agriculture (pumping stations for irrigation).

2.7 Main players

2.7.1 Small farmers

IACS data submitted by Romania for the fruits and vegetables sector shows that farms with surfaces less than 3 ha are predominant , 90% of these farms being managed by private parties.

The high fragmentation and dispersion of cultivated areas (especially for field vegetables) is a result ofthe reinstatement of the private property in agriculture after 1990. The high number of existing plotscreates major limitations for technological upgrade (agricultural works, production structure,



19

professional training of farmers, etc) and the increase of the production costs. On the other hand dueto the lack of experience in using insurance instruments any negative climate phenomena, diseases orpest attack create a direct loss for the producer. At the same time the large number of farmsproducing primarily for own consumption but also selling part of the harvest from their doorsteps or viaunofficial selling points do not allow a clear separation between commercial and subsistence farmingand consequently makes it difficult to implement a coherent fiscal policy.

All these factors have a direct influence on fluctuations of farmers’ income, promotion of consumption,and enhancement of the environmental safeguards as well as a strong impact on the improvement ofthe competitiveness and market orientation of the fruit and vegetable sector.

2.7.2 Commercial farmers

One of the consequences of the high fragmentation is that the number of the real commercial playersin the fruits and vegetable sector is quite reduced. There are several individual producers workingbigger surfaces for commercial purpose (such as Jolt Varga with 6 ha used for cruciferous in Covasna)but the market is in fact dominated by strong holdings with mixed activities.

Major players in the fruits sector are:

Andany Trading (Giurgiu) was set up in 2003, part of a big holding (to include Blue Air-low cost flights

and Romstrade –infrastructure) and reached a turnover of 104 million EUR in 2008.

In 2004 the company set up an intensive production orchard on 100 hectares in Adunatii Copaceni(Giurgiu), an investment of 7 million EUR made using Dutch consultancy (Adviesburo Hillebrand-vander Heide BV who was also the main contractor), equipment (Besseling Ulo Systems, Van Wamel Fa.Hol), fertilizers (Aquaned) and saplings (in a wide variety: apples, pear, cherry, peach, quince, plum,sour cherry, walnut, strawberry, raspberry and vineyard). The orchard is already productive and thisyear delivered over 1,000 tons of fruits under the brand “La Mosie” (mainly to hypermarkets Real andCarrefour). The farm has also a nursery on 4 ha (to cover its own needs and also to sell on the market)as well as own capacities for sorting, packaging and warehousing in controlled atmosphere. Targetsset for 2010 are to reach 2,000 tons of apples, pears and cherries delivered to retailers. The companyacquired additional 30 ha and plans to expand to production of vegetables and technical plants,processing and export. The company representatives declared they consider applying an associativesystem for also collecting fruits from small private farmers to be resold to big retailers and partner withother producers for using warehousing facilities.

Agrohorticola Batos (Mures) A major producer of fruits (especially apples), the company is located in an area with a tradition in fruitcultures handling also other activities such as processing (producer of apple vinegar Batos Aceto) aswell as trade with cereals and construction activities. Agrohorticola is the initiator of one producergroup (Dedrad - Batos), active since 2006 and consisting of 2 companies (Pomicola Batos andAgrohorticola Batos) and 8 individual producers covering 500ha in Reghin area (Mures). The grouphas a yearly production potential of de 8-9,000 tons apples for consumption and 3-4,000 tons applesfor processing as well as the biggest facility in Romania for apple warehousing in controlledatmosphere.

Horticola International Sibiu

Part of Atlassib Holding, the company is a major player in fruit production. Orchards are not the only

agricultural investment of Atlassib – the company also invests in field crops, animal breeding and milk

processing.

Comly Buzau is both a fruit producer with an orchard in the Buzau region and at the same time atrading company. Comply benefited of a Dutch financed project in 1992 in partnership with HagéInternational B.V. a leading import and export company for fruits and vegetables in the Netherlands.The aim of the project was to modernize the existing Comly orchard and also to set up a 5 hademonstration field with a new planted orchard for apples, plums and sweet cherries using high-density fruit-growing and planting techniques and irrigation technology. Also, within the project a threestorage rooms with a capacity of 300 tons was build as well as facilities for training and dissemination.

Another successful Dutch example is the company Nedarco owned by the family De Waart that

started its activity in Romania in 1998 when they set up a commercial society selling agriculturalequipment. In 2005 they started together with the company Flevo Plant from Netherland (with Dutchgovernmental funds PSOM) a farm in Valea Argovei.



20

Nowadays the company is operating a strawberry greenhouse with an area of 1 ha and iscultivating other 24 ha with strawberry, cabbage and water melon.

As regards propagation material (grafted trees) Romania’s production of certified varieties hasdecreased drastically due to low demand for rejuvenation of existing orchards after 1990. Romaniannurseries produce about 1-1.5 million trees per year while the need would be of 7 – 8 million trees for anormal rejuvenation rhythm. For many years no significant investments in modern technology ordiversification of the assortment were made. As a consequence the current local production cannot

keep the rhythm of the new developments on the market, the demand for raw materials of the newinvestors in the sector being covered mainly by imports (mainly form Italy). Currently grafted trees areproduced in Romania mainly by research units and small producers (selling on peasant markets atregional level). A new law in the research field is envisaging that part of the research units will betransferred in the custody of the Agricultural Universities as a solution for their development. Forexample the University in Craiova will take over the unit in Valcea, Voinesti will be taken over by theBucharest University -that also owns the research unit in Istrita (Buzau) Moara Domneasca (Ilfov) andBaneasa (almost 100% transformed into a real estate project), research unit Iasi and Sirca nursery willbelong to the Iasi University while the Geoagiu unit (Hunedoara) will be taken over by the University inTimisoara.

According also to the turnover data registered for 2008, the top of the first 10 commercial players in thevegetables sector is dominated by Leader International. The company was set up in 1994, having the

production of fruits and vegetables as main activity and works under current structure, since 2001controlled by one shareholder Mr. Horia Culcescu. The group covers about 1,400 ha, produces 15,000tons annually (mainly tomatoes and cucumbers) and has 347 employees. Leader is the majoritystockholder in Berser (a group of greenhouses in the Berceni neighbourhood, Bucharest), Leoser(greenhouses in Popesti-Leordeni, Ilfov) and Ostrovit (vineyards and orchards in Ostrov, Constanta).The company owns a cannery in Caracal (Olt), a vegetable farm in Turnu Magurele (Teleorman), and avegetable farm in Isalnita (Dolj). About 70% of the greenhouse production is exported (CzechRepublic, France, Switzerland and Germany).They also import products as raw materials (about 8% ofthe total need mainly mushrooms and Thailand pineapple) or for trading (lemons, oranges).

Leader is also an active investor for increasing its production capacity (4 million EUR investment out ofwhich 2 million EUR from SAPARD funds), purchasing new processing lines for vegetables (1.5 millionEUR vegetable freezing line, 2.5 million EUR line for processing tomatoes), setting up irrigation

systems and storage facilities (in Craiova, Dolj country) or farm endowment (in Turnu Magurele500,000 EUR investment using SAPARD funds). By far the most spectacular investment made byLeader International was in 2007 when they took over 26 ha of greenhouses in Pipera (Bucharestoutskirts) through a concession contract signed with the Autonomous Regie “Administration of StateProtocol”. The old greenhouses were demolished and a new, modern, mono-block greenhouse wasbuilt, on a 15 million EUR worth investment. This is a first major attempt to narrow the current gapbetween vegetable supply and demand in Romania. The greenhouse is 7 m high, covers 13.5 ha (theonly one of this height in Romania), has a production capacity of 600 tons of tomatoes per ha per yearand was projected and built by Dutch company Debets-Schalke B.V. The Pipera greenhouse has nosorting, storage or packaging facilities these operations are done centrally at Leoser. The tomatoesobtained at Pipera are sold in large retail chains, such as (Metro Kaufland, Carrefour). The companyproduces its seedlings in-house. Approx. 80 employees work in the greenhouses permanently, and100 employees are active during the peak season.

Sud Oil another important player, is the company that took over in 2004 the greenhouses in Isalnita(148 ha in total out of which 75 ha covered with glass including a sorting hall, pre-refrigerating rooms,heating station, mechanical workshops and storage halls). The company is specialized in theproduction of gherkins with 8000 tons per year in 2 production cycles. 80% of the production isexported in Western Europe.

Besides the big players mentioned above, there are also smaller companies becoming more active onthe market. Few relevant examples are Quardena – Codlea (Brasov) working about 8 ha in field forproducing cruciferous (cabbage, cauliflower, turnip) and carrots; the company sells directly to bigprocessors such as Timbark or suppliers of fast food chains like McDonalds) or Romgreen (Constanta)

producing lettuce, carrots and mushrooms on 5 ha (with a 800square meters solarium).



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2.7.3 Producer organizations

Even if supported by various pre-accession programmes, farmers association as a concept is still far

from being re-accepted by the individual mentality in Romania. As a direct consequence of the past

experiences of communist cooperatives (when association was in reality a forced transfer of the private

property towards the state), the individual farmer is not easy to be convinced of the advantages offered

by the producer organizations. Based on interviews with MAFRD at this stage the available staff at

institutional level is still low for actively raise awareness at the individual farmer level.

The setting up of producer groups was encouraged as early as 1998 (projects financed by PHAREprograms) but the market conditions did not allow transposing the EU legislation in one step. As aresult at this moment both national legislation and EU legislation are in force for creation of producergroups, however only the groups that meet EU criteria are eligible for EU financial support.

Based on national legislation a total of 44 producer groups are recognized. Out of them only4 producer groups: Agricultural Society of Apple Producers “Dedrad - Batos", S.C.ParadisulLegumelor Curtici & Marcea SRL (they recently built up a modern warehouse facility with up-to-datesorting installation and controlled atmosphere) , S.C.Cerasus SRL and S.C.Agroleg Grup SRL and1 producer organisation S.C. Hortifruct Bucharest (members being the companies of HoriaCulcescu) are recognised based on EU regulation no. 1182/2007.

Hortifruct is already a powerful market presence with an important influence at governmental level.The latest proposal submitted by the group to the Ministry is for a 500 ha greenhouse project, to bebuild at Ostrov, where Ostrovit, a company within the group is based. The rural area around Ostrovhas good resources for greenhouse vegetable production, especially labour resources. Given the highcosts of the project, the Hortifruct group has asked MAFRD to issue governmental guarantees for bankfinancing.

In 2009 the following producer groups are additionally recognized in a preliminary procedure:- SC Legumes SRL (Tulcea) SC Bratesleg Grup SRL – Razboieni (Galati)- Agricultural Society “Legume Fructe” – Matca, (Galati)- Association of the Agricultural Producers Group “Hortipomicola” – Reghin (Mures)- Early Potato Producers Group– Lunguletu (Dambovita)

Contact details for all these organizations are provided in the key contacts section at the end of thereport. Two other organizations have also submitted files for certification and recognition.

According to the legislation in force, producer groups can benefit from support for setting up andadministrative activities, amounting to different percentages (%) of the value of traded production:10% in the first 2 years; 8% in the 3

rdyear, 6% in the 4

thyear, 4% in the 5

thyear as well as up to 75%

of the value of investments made for certification and recognition. Producer organizations can receive4.1% of the value of traded production. The 4 groups recognized in 2008 received, in 2009, their 10%of the value of traded production. Romania has agreed to grant these groups consistent financialsupport – 75% of the total investment value (50% EU funds, 25% national funds).

According with statements made during direct interviews with various representatives of producer

groups and professional associations main threats in the sector are:- the lack of interest at the governmental level (due to rather narrow vision as regards the

importance of the sector based only on its low contribution to Romania’s GDP) that influenced boththe conditions negotiated at Romania’s accession in EU and current limitations in developing andimplementing coherent strategies;

- the fact that Romanian growers pay one of the highest prices for energy used for agriculture worksmakes the final product totally uncompetitive compared with any imports (EU or non EU) of similarproducts;

- the unfair competition of the black market. Hortifruct is actively interested to promote theseparation between subsistence and commercial agriculture, in order to eliminate unfaircompetition on the part of small producers. A well organized vegetable commodities exchangewould be the solution for establishing a fair price-quality ratio and to stimulate consumption.

The existing gap between the needs of association and actual situation on the market is acknowledgedby all stakeholders as a major limitation factor for future development of the sector. However thegovernmental resources to raise awareness and stimulate association remain scarce, real progress onmedium and long term being influenced exclusively by market development.



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A Dutch financed project is currently carried on in cooperation with MAFRD and major producer groupswith the aim to set up and make functional inter-professional organisation in the sector of fruits andvegetable (Prodcom)for increased commercial strength of the existing producer groups.The organization will be structured in five directions:

o fruits (gathering producers or groups of producers of fruits under coordination of MrEmil Farago of Agrohorticola Batos)

o vegetables – (gathering producers or groups of producers of vegetables both in theopen field and protected, coordination of Mr. Aurel Tanase of Romconserv and Mr.Constantin Stanciu of Leoser)

o mushrooms - (gathering producers or groups of producers of mushrooms undercoordination of Mr. Eugen Bajenaru of Euromix, president of mushrooms industryassociation)

o canned fruits and vegetables - (gathering producers or groups of producers of cannedfruits and/or vegetables under coordination of Romconserv)

o producer groups - aimed at increasing the visibility of recognised groups on the marketand with public authorities

The project, managed by the company Food Industries Research & Engineering Holland BV, can benot only a successful solution for the horticulture sector but also a pilot to be replicated in otheragricultural sectors in Romania.

2.7.4 Retailers

Romanian retail is still underdeveloped in comparison to that of Western European countries but iscatching up rapidly. The food retail infrastructure changed a lot in the last years, conditioning thedevelopment of modern trade and disfavouring traditional trade. The majority of the investments camefrom multinational retail groups, 2007 being considered a milestone mainly because the territorialexpansion of the retailers was exceptionally rapid, a period of concentration started, and the presenceof stores from the same chain in the same town being already a common thing for the population.

Fruits and vegetables in Romania are sold in farmers’ markets, small shops, street kiosks or directlyfrom the doorsteps of small farmers as well as in hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount and cash &carry stores. Specialized stores of naturist, ecological products are starting to gain share on themarket.

As Romanian consumers generally give importance to the origin of the products they purchase, as wellas the price or quality of goods there is a split in retailing between specialised retailers and non-specialised retailers (such as supermarkets) which have a considerable bargaining strength whennegotiating prices with suppliers and wholesalers.

In Romania the farmers’ market is a special by arranged place from a locality destined for thecommercialization of the agricultural or non-agricultural products (in contrast with the Western Europeconcept where farmers, growers or producers from a defined local area are present in person to selltheir own product, directly to the public and where products sold should have been grown, reared,caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholder). The main difference is that inEU the local producers are protected by forbidding the access of producers of other geographicalareas, while in Romania this “protectionism” is not present and the farmers’ market is a mixture of agricultural, non agricultural or general use products commercialization . The stallholder can be acertified producer , an authorized physical person or a (limited liability) commercial company .

Farmers’ markets in Romania generally existed for along time in the same place (generally well locatedwithin the cities) and are commonly characterized by a poor organization, administration and control.The modernization of market places is a process of interest for both governmental and local authoritiesbut (as the area they are built on represents in many cases also attractive real estate opportunities) theprocess is more focused in creating new more flexible formats (temporary or itinerant markets) ratherthan structural changes. One interesting example was set this year when the yard of MAFRD inBucharest was transformed every weekend of October in produce market open for local farmers.

The data registered by the Romanian Trade Register make it difficult to establish a top of thespecialized local retailers based on the turnover because in general this is a result of more activitiesthan selling of fruits and vegetables. At the same time wholesale and retail are combined within onecompany.



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Based on the market information gathered via direct interviews the most active players are consideredto be:

- Agroaliment (set up in 1991, the company has shops for fruits & vegetables, but also owns arestaurant)

- Suk Star (set up in 1993, the company owns shops specialized in fresh fruits & vegetables, butalso distributes the Tadal brand of olives)

- Trans Akropol (the company sells fruits & vegetables and also import lemons from Greece )- Distrib Manu (non specialized shops- food products, fresh vegetable and fruits, alcoholic drinks

and tobacco)- Horticom (set up in 1994, food shops including fruits and vegetables)

As regards modern retail main players are:

- hypermarkets (Carrefour, Real, Auchan, Cora, Kaufland)

- supermarkets (Billa, Mega Image, Plus)

- discount stores (Penny Market, Profi, Plus, Minimax)

- cash & carry (Metro, Selgros)

2.7.5 Wholesalers

Main limitation for the development of the wholesales markets in Romania is the small size of the localfarmers. Their limited production both quantity and range do not justify renting a booth for all year

round therefore wholesale activity is in generally connected with importing and market places have amixed range of products on display.

In Bucharest the most active wholesale market is Su Market (on Bucharest – Urziceni road). Thepremises were finalized in 2007, and they spread over 70,000 m

2. There are 12 storage modules,

which feature 132 stands (ground floor + 1st

floor), with a total surface of 215 m2. The ground floor has

a cool storage chamber and a ramp, while the 1st

floor is used for administrative activities (50 m2).

Each stand is connected to the utilities network and has 2 washrooms. The rent is 3,000 EUR/month,and the space there is in popular demand (no free spaces at the time of visit). Some of the mainnames in the facilities were Agricantus, Alfredo Food, Yuksek, Pasha and other Turkish exporters.

The Bucharest Wholesale Market (PGB) started in 1993 as a project financed by EBRD to facilitatewholesale transactions with horticultural products. The market was state owned and the intention was

to be privatised after complete reimbursement of the EBRD credit. The project did not have theexpected financial success and currently the market does not function as intended and trade a widevariety of food items. The available infrastructure consists of storage facilities with possibilities toload/unload. The rent for a 60 m

2booth is 1,200 EUR/month, completed with a 12 m

2exhibition space

and 120 m2

of parking space. Rent does not include utilities (these cost extra) or stock manipulation – PGB only provides security on the premises. There is no cold storage space available for rent (usuallythis is solved by tenants parking a cooling van in the parking lot). The main vegetables stored at PGBare potatoes, tomatoes and onions, all produced in Romania. PGB is not usually used by directimporters (only Abbara Trading Co is present).

A similar project co financed by the German government was developed in Timisoara on 2.5 hatowards the western border.

One private initiative is of Trident Group which opened at the end of 2008 the biggest wholesaledeposit in Sibiu with a total surface of 4,000 m

2and a warehousing capacity of 1,600 tons for its own

use.

Most visible importers & wholesalers on the on the market are:Interfruct – company owns a 3,000 m

2warehouse nearby the Su-Market in Afumati, warehouse with

some cold rooms and a sorting and packaging area. They import more than 120 varieties of fruits &vegetables from Turkey and Europe and distribute both to the large retailers as Selgros, Billa, PennyMarket, Cora and for several other small and medium stores as well as for the HORECA system.

Distrifrut was set up in 1998 in Ploiesti by Fadi Nahas and today has warehouses all over the countrywith an estimated 25% market share. The main products are large variety of bananas, oranges,lemons and other exotic fruits. Their clients are cash & carry stores such as Metro or Selgros and also

supermarkets such as Billa or Profi. They were for many years agent for Dole who took them over inJune this year. Dole has decided to operate in Romania directly in order to provide top quality productsand services to its European retail partners who are also operating in the country. Dole is the firstinternational fruit company to enter Romania, where Distrifrut was the sole distributor of the Dole



24

brand. Dole Romania will operate from six different locations in the country: Bucharest, Constanta,Timisoara, Cluj, Iasi, and Bacau. The Company will benefit from a brand new state-of-the-art fruitterminal in Agigea port (near Constanta), on the Black Sea, where Dole bananas - arriving mainly fromEcuador - are discharged from Dole ships.

Other known names as importer of fruits and vegetables is Yuksek International Fruct and Pasha Ice-Land Warehouse both present in the en-gross market of Afumati SU Market. Yukesk is importing onlyfruits and vegetables mainly from Turkey while Pasha, beside the import of fruit& vegetables import

also frozen poultry meat. Most traders, are often mentioned in the media under suspicion for taxevasion. 2.7.6 Processors

The main companies active in the processing of fruits and vegetables are:Contec Foods is part of the distribution company Marathon Distribution Group (MDG) and was set upin 2007 in Tecuci, Galati county by incorporating several fruits and vegetables processing companies:the original factory Contec (set up in 1953, it was the largest fruits and vegetables processor andexporter before 1989, it was bought in 2004 by MDG and modernized), the factory in Ghidici, Doljcounty (set up in 1998 and specialised in processing cucumbers, bell pepper, fruit jam, fruit compote)and the factory in Scornicesti, Olt county (set up in 2000 specialized in tomatoes: paste, concentrate, juice).Contec received the International Food Standard (IFS) certification in 2006 and produces today over150 fruits and vegetables products under different brands: own brands (Olympia, Winmark, Daria,Picnic) and private labels mainly for large retailers (Aro, Winny, Clever, Tip, Rio Bucovina, GrandeFamilia, Master Fresh, Giani, Golden Line). Products are distributed through all the key accountchannels, through local distributors and also exported (4% of the total turnover) to Spain, Italy,Germany, Greece, England, France, the Netherlands, UK and Russia.

Contec produces 20,000 t annually reaching a turnover of 14 mil EUR, with a profit of 1.9 mil EUR anda market share estimated at 35% in 2008.The total investment so far was of 5.5 million EUR, withadditional 3 million EUR planned for the near future. Contec will focus on the HoReCa segment,introducing new product types such as jams (apricot, sour cherry, strawberry, blackberry, roses) andhoney in 20 g packaging. The group also purchased 135 ha of orchards currently undergoingrejuvenation.

Conserv Buftea is located in Ilfov county nearby Bucharest and it is one of the first canneries inRomania set up in 1870. In 1948 the company was nationalized, re-privatized in the 90’s, and iscurrently owned by 2 foreign entrepreneurs. The company produces: compote, jam, vegetables intomato sauce, vinegar, oil or salty water, mustard, tomatoes paste and soup vegetable mixes. 70% ofthe products are traded in Bucharest and also exported to UK, Germany and Israel. They also recentlyimplemented a 4 mil EUR project to modernize the production facilities using SAPARD funding andown resources.

Klevek Fetesti is located in Fetesti (Ialomita) in the centre of the Baragan plains, one of the mostfertile areas in Romania . In 2005, Klevek bought Horticons, a fruits and vegetables canning factoryfounded in 1968. The factory owns 40,000 m

2production facilities and 120,000 m

2farmland (13 farms)

reaching a maximum 4 h between harvesting and canning. Main products: peas, beans, cucumbers inwater/vinegar (largest capacity in Romania for this product category), tomato paste and derivatives,vegetable mixes, vegetables in water, jam, compote. They recently finalized a rehabilitation projectpartially funded through SAPARD, upgrading their transport fleet and purchasing new completeindustrial lines for peas, beans, gherkins, pasteurizers, labelling and packaging technology. UsingMAFRD financing, they also upgraded the laboratory being able to provide quality controls throughoutthe manufacturing process. The company is certified ISO 22000:2005.

Mandy one of the largest food companies in Romania has been processing fruits and vegetables since

2002, when they bought Fructons SA (former state-owned company in Roman, Neamt county);

produces: jam, compote, pickles, vegetables in water, tomato paste.

MIB Prodcom was set up in 1942 in Cluj Napoca, Cluj county and over the last 10 years has been

processing fruits and vegetables under the brand Arovit. Main products are household jam, jam for

HoReCa (20 g packaging), jam for bakeries (1-5 kg), fruit juice, apple concentrate, low-sugar jam and

fruit juice, vegetables in water, tomatoes (paste, juice). The company implemented HACCP and alsoSR EN ISO 9001:2001, DS 3027E:2002.

Conservfruct set up in 1993, in Baltatesti (Neamt) is specialized in processing fruits and vegetables. Italso used the SAPARD facility to modernize de factory and has implemented ISO 9001:2001 (since



25

2003) and HACCP (2006). Main products are jam, compote, pickles, vegetables in water, tomatoes(juice, paste), fruit concentrate. They also export to Israel, Greece, Italy, Ireland, UK, Canada, USA.

Orkla Foods Romania is the local subsidiary of the Norwegian group Orkla Foods. They currently

process fruits and vegetables in Covasna county, with recently modernized production lines

(production relocated from Targoviste, Dambovita county) producing jams, fruit paste, sauces, tomato

paste.

Many smaller canneries became more active on the market in the last 2 years mainly based on the

transitional payments scheme for tomatoes for processing. One interesting example is SonImpex

Toploveni that has in its portfolio the only Romanian brand that applied under EU PGI (protected

geographical indications) scheme: ‘magiun natural de prune Topoloveni”.

2.7.7 Horeca

The importance of the HoReCa sector has increased over the past few years, along with the increase

in out-of-home consumption caused by a rise in income. This phenomenon is widespread among the

active population and families without children, where both partners work.

Standards in the HoReCa sector have also changed after Romania’s EU accession – fruits and

vegetables used in HoReCa facilities must be procured from authorized producers, with a quality

certification. The HoReCa segment includes, besides restaurants, hotels and other recreationalfacilities, establishments such as mess halls, hospitals, prisons, army facilities, schools, universities,

etc. In the case of state HoReCa units, fruits and vegetables are usually sold through public tender,

depending on the value of the order.

HoReCa units use both fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, with a growing emphasis on frozen

vegetables. The most used products are: pickles, jams, compote, fresh exotic fruit, frozen vegetables,

canned vegetables, vegetable mixes for cooking.

The distribution of fruits and vegetables in the HoReCa segment requires a series of modifications in

the logistics of suppliers. First of all, since HoReCa works in a deliver-and-use system, there is great

emphasis on fresh, next-day deliveries. The direct distribution system for the HoReCa system is based

on speed and responding promptly to punctual customer needs. fruits and vegetables are also

delivered through cash & carry networks, which operate under the discount mechanism, with a focus

on the HoReCa sector and companies from the food sector.

Packaging is also different for the HoReCa sector. There are 2 categories of packaging used:

- small packaging (single-serving portions for direct placement with end users)

- large packaging (bulk, larger than 1 kg, for cooking)

The preferred large packaging is plastic and metal, for better, long-term preservation.

The HoReCa market in Romania is still developing, with a significant improvement expected for 2010,

as more international chains are entering the Romanian market, and with local chains developing at a

rapid pace. Both importers and producers are adding special fruits and vegetables products to their

portfolio, to target the HoReCa segment. For example, frozen vegetables are targeting HoReCa

aggressively with:- bulk packaging (1 – 5 kg)

- vegetables processed especially for hotels, restaurants, etc. (baked/grilled peppers, squash,eggplant, etc)

- ready-to-cook FRUITS AND VEGETABLES mixes(for convenience and quick service)

Contec Foods, for example, plans to focus on the HoReCa segment with new products: jams (apricot,

sour cherry, strawberry, blackberry, roses) and honey in 20 g packaging. MIB Prodcom also produces

mini-portion jam for HoReCa (20 g packaging), bulk jam for bakeries & other food producers (1-5 kg).

Also, more and more companies are introducing frozen fries to the market, to target the fast-food

segment.

There are fruits and vegetables distributors in the market specialized exclusively in supplying the

HoReCa segment with fruits and vegetables.



26

One such company is Livcom Impex, a Romanian company founded in 2001. The company delivers

fresh fruits and vegetables exclusively to the HoReCa segment, with products and logistics adapted

especially to this niche (high quality products, cold store & delivery, etc.). They offer next-day and

same-day delivery, within a maximum 12 hours time frame. They also offer emergency 3-hour

deliveries. A special feature of the company is that it offers direct import of fruits and vegetables from

Holland, with a 5-day delivery period .

Another company is Solutions 4 Restaurants, also distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables to the

HoReCa segment. Besides fresh vegetable, they offer cleaned/sliced vegetables, as well as

vegetables packed in vacuum. All these companies offer the following advantages:

- timely and reliable delivery

- fresh products

- quality products

- specially-processed products (basic processing, for easier use by the customer)

In the HoReCa segment, fresh fruits and vegetables also have a key decorative purpose, with artistic

arrangements used as centre pieces or as eye-catching meal courses. Emphasis is thus placed on

fresh, aesthetically-pleasing fruits and vegetables, sometimes in the detriment of taste. HoReCa

business-to-business events often include demonstrations of fruits and vegetables arrangements,

alongside other arrangements, such as flowers. Creative culinary art makes use of fruits and

vegetables in new and innovative ways, and requires producers and distributors to adapt their offer tothis particular demand.

2.7.8 Research & education

Less than 1/3 of horticultural research institutes founded before 1989 are still operational. Moreover,

there is little to no connection between research and practical application. This is mainly due to the

privatization of greenhouses and to the return of nationalized land to its original owners (for example

the main research institute in Bucharest reorganized and had to transfer its greenhouses to the

company Berser, the fruit and vegetables research station in Oradea lost its orchards as a result of

land restitution).

The results of the research projects reach producers only with great difficulty and are rarely put into

practice. Producers have limited financial means and cannot support massive investments (moderngreenhouse or field technologies, intensive tree culture, etc.), and they are also skeptical with regards

to the ability of research projects to increase efficiency and quality. Due to lack of association

structures information is not easily distributed among producers and is not seen as a valuable asset.

Even today, producers still to follow traditional production procedures, outdated but with strong

historical tradition.

Most large scale research projects are financed through national, European or international programs.

However, the results of these projects are only presented in conferences and congresses, or are

published as scientific papers, without being promoted among producers (demonstrations, test

cultures, etc.).

The Research and Development Institute for Vegetable and Flowers Vidra is the main research

institute as regards the vegetables and flowers. It was set up in 1967 through the re-organization of theHorticulture-Viticulture Research Institute. The initial head office of the new research institute was inTiganesti (Teleorman) but later on they moved to Vidra (Ilfov), a commune nearby Bucharest with along tradition in vegetable production. Vidra Institute is producing seeds for mainly for open fieldvegetables recognized in Europe. The main vegetables for which they create well known local varietiesare the bell-pepper, the aubergine, the onion, the cabbage and most recently the carrot (such as thebell-pepper “Asteroid” and “Cornel” (productivity of 40 t/ha), the aubergine “Luiza” (productivity of 50t/ha and resistant to specific diseases) or the cabbage variety “Varza de Buzau” with flat ribs (suitablefor the Romanian traditional food - stuffed cabbage).

As regard the fruits production the most important player is the Research and Development Institutefor Fruit Growing, Maracineni (Arges). The institute was also set up in 1967 and initially had about26 research offices all over the country out of which only 7 existing today. In their history they created

a large number of varieties for the main fruit trees cultivated in Romania adjusted to loacla conditionsand diseases. Beside the creation of fruit trees varieties the institute makes physiological andbiochemical studies for trees and fruit shrubs and also studies the behavior of various varieties indifferent regions and different soil types.



27

Among the varieties they have created and still present in Romanian orchards there are: for the apple-Colonade (in 2007) and Rustic (2008); for the pear- Trivale (1982), Ervina (2003), Paradise andParamis (2008); for the cherry- Amara (1983), Cerna (1984), Simbol (1996), Superb (2003); for thesour cherry- Crişana 2 (1975), Sătmărean (1994), Rival (2004)

The fruit growing and vegetables production technologies are taught in Romania within the Faculties ofHorticulture. The main Faculties of Horticulture are in the Universities of Agronomic Studies inBucharest, Craiova, Iasi, Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara. In the last years, horticulture faculties were set

up also in Pitesti or Sibiu. The lack of a modern educational infrastructure and curricula not fullyadjusted to market conditions represent the main problems for all horticulture faculties, confronted inthe last years with a decreasing number of students.

There are ongoing efforts to bring the Romanian curricula to the European level (for example theFaculty of Horticulture in Bucharest cooperates in this respect with the University of Perugia), but theproblems start on a deeper level. On one side the more general situation of the education system inRomanian where the academic professorate is not seen anymore as a rewarding alternative for bestspecialists while on the other side the quality of the students is on a descending trend. In spite of allexchange programs (such as Tempus, Socrate, Leonardo) addressed both to teachers and students,education has very little connection with market conditions and needs. Companies in the field ofproduction or trading of horticultural inputs often complain that graduates from the horticulture facultieshave good background knowledge but less practical approach. A better dialogue between all

stakeholders of the sector also on educational themes is the key for improvement of this situation onlong term.

2.8 Fact sheet of the sector

The following table presents a snapshot summarizing the strong and weak points of the Romanianhorticultural sector:

Table 7: Fact sheet horticultural sector RomaniaSector Field Strengths Weaknesses

Agriculturalholdings

Numerous holdings with a widearray of fruits and vegetables

varieties

Modernization of processing units

High number of small size holdings(up to 3 ha), especially in the

vegetable sector

Low technical level of plantationsSurfaces andproductioncapacities

Favourable soil and climateconditions for growingvegetables, fruit trees and shrubs

New trend for development oforchards and vegetable farms(including greenhouses) usinghigh production techniques

The increase of mushroomproduction capacities includingclimate-controlled spaces

Decrease of surfaces used forvegetables, fruit trees and shrubs, as% of total arable land

High degree of land fragmentationand lack of a coherent strategy forconsolidating lands

Low degree of orchard rejuvenation +large areas with declining orchards

Large areas of abandoned and/ortechnologically out-datedgreenhouses

Volumes Increase of the averageproduction of fruits andvegetables

Increase of the fruits and vegetablesproduction for processing disfavouringthe market for fresh products

Out-dated growth techniques (cropmaintenance, choice and applicationof treatments, etc.)

Low productivity per haLow production volumes off-season

Production

Value Important economic sector fruitsand vegetables productionrepresents 24% of total vegetal

Low added value of products due to:- lack of marketing skills for

preparation of trading process



28

production (sorting, classification) as well asproduct presentation (packaging,labelling) to ensure safety andattractiveness for the consumer

- lack of technical support forwashing, sorting, packaging,labelling, storage and transport ofproduction to the market

- lack of a production planningsystem adjusted to marketdemands

Productionmanagement

Processing is still a major solutionfor excess production in the freshproducts market

Large number of economically-vulnerable enterprises, especially dueto unplanned production

Large number of sites with notechnology for limiting the effects ofextreme weather, disease and pests

Low, almost non-existent degree ofcrop insurance

Consumers Consumers appreciate the qualityof local-grown products

fruits and vegetablesconsumption is associated withgood health

Consumption of processed fruitsand vegetables still at high levels

Relatively high price of fruits andvegetables

Low degree of consumer educationwith regard to food quality and safety

Quality Implementation of quality systemsfor conditioning and trading fruitsand vegetables

Low implementation of fruits andvegetables trade standards by thesmall merchants

Trade networks

andinfrastructure

Relatively large market

Expanding international retailnetworks

Lack of an efficient market information

monitoring system that result inincapacity to adapt to market trendsand demands

Lack of trade associations (groupsand organizations of producers)

Fragmented distribution andpersistence of doorway selling points,as result of limited technology forcollecting, sorting, packaging,warehousing (including cold storage)and transport

Low degree of productionconcentration + lack of productioncollection centres (platforms andwholesale markets

Limited access of domesticproduction to the large retail networksas result of no inter-professional tradeagreements and the large number ofspeculators

Market

Certification andquality marking

The increase of the number ofholdings with certified production

according with good agriculturepractices and food safety norms

Lack of certifications and qualitymarking

Low level of quality warrantees(especially regarding utilisation ofplant protection chemicals)



29

High potential for certification ofgeographical origin Low level of quality management

Lack of concerted actions on foodsafety

Foreign trade Diversified offer

Dispatch market

Major international playerspresent

No programs for trade promotion onlocal or foreign markets

Negative trade balance (imports

highly surpass exports)

Low competitivity of products

Lack of inter-professional agreementsSource: Based on MAFRD ROMANIA / National Strategy for Operational Programs in the Fruits and Vegetables Sector, 2008



30

3 Opportunities for the Dutch horticultural sector

3.1 Export of fresh fruits and vegetables

The foreign exchanges with fruits and vegetables have a non significant importance within total

Romanian foreign trade (weight between 0.1% - 0.3% both quantity and value).

From 2004 to 2008, Romania’s exports of fruits and vegetables were on a variable trend with the

lowest level in 2004 and a maximum in 2005. Forecasts are positive for 2009, as in the first 5 months

of the year, fruits and vegetables exports have almost doubled in comparison to the same period in

2008. However, Romania still imports at least 60% of its necessary fruits and vegetables annually, as

local production cannot meet domestic demands. Romania is also used as a platform for re-exports,

especially in the EU.

Table 8: Total exports of fruits and vegetables

2008

Quantity

Thousand

tons

Value

thousand EUR

Fruits 20.9 30,816.3

Vegetables 28.7 39,565.2

Total 49.6 70,381.5Source: INSSE

In terms of volumes, cucumbers are Romania’s best sellers, followed by potatoes, processed fruits and

dried vegetables. Romania has a tradition of producing all those types of products and, despite its

declining production, exports for these categories are still active.

Table 9: Top 5 categories of fruits and vegetables exports, in terms of volumes

Source: INSSE

However, the most valuable Romanian exports of fruits and vegetables are processed fruits andvegetables. These processed products hold the top 3 positions in terms of value in the hierarchy of

Romanian exports of fruits and vegetables.

Table 10: Top 3 categories of fruits and vegetables exports, in terms of value

Products

Value

thousand EUR

Processed fruit 9,863.8

Processed vegetables 8,957.5

Dried vegetables 4,661.5Source: INSSE

Other high sellers, from a segment just starting to pick up, are ecological fruits and vegetables. This

type of products is spread out between different categories of fruits and vegetables and it is estimated

that 25% of fruits and vegetables exported in 2008 were eco products.

ProductsQuantity

tons

Maincountry

ofdestination

Cucumbers 7,381.1 Austria

Potatoes 6,744.6 Moldova

Processed fruit 5,561.5 Germany

Apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums 5,226.9RussianFederation

Dried vegetables with pods (legumes) 4,600.7 UK



31

Romanian eco walnuts are of great interest abroad, especially in Western European countries. Still,

ecological agriculture only holds around 1% of the current agricultural market.

Italy is the main destination for Romanian fruits and vegetables, despite the fact that a large part of

imports also come from Italy. Neighbour Moldova is also a significant importer of fruits and vegetables,

as is the Russian Federation, despite the fact that a few years back there was little demand for

Romanian products in this market.

Table 11: Top 5 countries of destination for fruits and vegetables exports

Country

Quantity

tons

Value

thousand EUR

Italy 8,340.7 29,323.17

Austria 7,412.5 4,458.157

Moldova 7,403.3 1,409.128

Germany 5,048.0 1,1359.25

Russian Federation 3,301.2 1,715.171Source: INSSE

3.2 Imports of fruits and vegetables

Over 300 thousand tons of vegetables and over 425 thousand tons of fruits were imported into

Romania in 2008, with a combined value of 390 million EUR. 2008 was also another peak year for the

growing imports of fruits and vegetables that remained dominant on the market in comparison with

local production.

Table 12: Total Imports of fruits and vegetables in Romania

2008 Thousand tons Thousand EUR

Vegetables 300.5 150.3

Fruits 425.6 242.2

Total 726.1 392.5Source: INSSE

In previous years the exotic fruit used to represent the majority of imports on Romanian market. In

2008, as well, citric fruits and bananas were the top 2 imports. However, in recent years, even

products in which Romania used to excel as a producer are abundantly imported (tomatoes, potatoes,

apples, pears).

Table 13: Top 5 categories of fruits and vegetables imports 2008

Products TonsMain country

of origin

Citric 148.6 Turkey

Bananas 127.1 EcuadorTomatoes 66.0 Turkey

Potatoes 52.0 Germany

Apples, pears 49.5 Italy

Source: INSSE

Turkey is by far the leading country of origin for fruits and vegetables imports. The fast growing

technologies (including the range of fertilizers used, many of them not recognized in EU) as well as the

different level of state support as non-EU country make the Turkish producer an unfair competitor for

the other players on the market even if the quality of the products is at very low levels. The Turkish are

also the starting point of the high level tax evasion estimated at over 100 million EUR annually, a

situation claimed difficult to control by the Romanian authorities as long as trucks are alreadycontrolled at the entrance point in EU in Bulgaria.



32

Table 14: Top 5 countries of origin for FRUITS AND VEGETABLES imports, 2008

Country

Quantity

thousand

tonnes

Value

thousand EUR

Turkey 184.6 75,273

Ecuador 98.8 47,109

Greece 70.0 43,725

Italy 51.9 45,330The Netherlands 45.6 32,448Source: INSSE

Even though Dutch products tend to be more expensive, they maintain their position in the top 5 due to

their superior quality. In 2008, the Netherlands exported over 45,500 t of fruits and vegetables to

Romania, with a combined value of over 32 million EUR. The Dutch presence in top 5 per product

categories is as follows:

Table 15: Categories of fruits and vegetables for which Holland is in the Top 5 countries of

origin of imports ( based on quantities, 2008)

Potatoes Onions Cabbage Lettuce

Carrots,

Beet Cucumbers

Processed

Vegetables

Semi-

processedVegetables

Exotic

Nuts

Exotic

Fruits Grapes

1Germany Egypt Macedonia Italy Turkey Turkey Belgium Greece Indonesia

Holland

(48%)Italy

2

Holland

(19% of

total

potato

imports)

Turkey Poland SpainHolland

(22%)Greece Poland Germany

Holland

(17%)Greece

3France

Holland

(19%)

Holland

(13%)

Holland

(15%)Spain Germany Hungary Turkey

4Egypt Bulgaria Hungary

Holland

(13%)Iran

5Hungary Holland (4%) Holland (5%)

Holland(3%)

Source: INSSE

Based on statistics for quantities imported in 2008 the main country of origin for potato imports isGermany but The Netherlands rank first as regards the value of potato imports with a total of almost3500 thousand EUR. The Netherlands ranks first both quantities and as values for seed potatoes andexotic fruits in the same year.

Between 2002 and 2008 the volume of Romania’s grape imports increased 5 times, reaching 20,000 tin 2008. Italy has become the main supplier, increasing its market share to 44% in 2008 (from 12% in2003). The main countries of origin for grape imports in Romania are:1. Italy – 9,000 t in 20082. Greece – 5,400 t in 20083. Turkey – 2,600 t in 20084. Holland – 767 t in 2008

At the same time, due to the increase of average import prices, the value of imports increased 18times, from 800 thousand EUR in 2003 to 15.1 mil EUR in 2008. The price range varies from Dutchproducts estimated at an average 1,778 EUR/t, to Italian and Greek estimated at 800 EUR/t.The highest flow of imports is registered from July to December, the production season of the mainsuppliers (Italy and Greece). Between January and June the main supplier is Holland (grapes from theSouthern Hemisphere), with a higher import price. Between August and November local production ispredominant.

The explosion of information regarding a balanced diet has caused Romanian consumers toreconsider their menu, leading to an increase in the percentage of vegetables included in meals, allyear round. Thus, frozen vegetables have become a convenient solution for consumers. Also, the



33

tradition of preserving fruits and vegetables for the winter, long standing in Romanian households, isbeginning to fade, as a result of the accelerated pace of everyday life. In 2008, Romanian purchased22,000 t of frozen vegetables, 4.5% more in volume than in 2007, and 20.1% more in value. Thefrozen vegetables market is currently abundant in products and brands, as a result of Europeancompanies entering the segment. Retail outlets sell a wide range of products, from rice & vegetablemixes, to vegetable mixes, one-type vegetables and potatoes.

Romanian consumers prefer traditional frozen vegetables and vegetable mixes, as opposed to moreevolved markets, which are more favourable towards spiced vegetables, vegetables in sauce andrice/pasta & vegetable mixes. Also, individual Romanian consumers choose small packaging overbulk, combined with frequent purchasing trips, while buyers for institutional consumption purchasepackaging from 1 kg upwards. Hyper/supermarkets are the top destination for suppliers andconsumers of frozen vegetables. However, most producers also target HoReCa, especially for frozenfries.

The peas, gumbos and beans, registered 41.9% increase of sales volume in 2008. Mixes registered41.5% increase of sales, and special products only 16.6%. Overall, pea is the top seller in theRomanian market, as Romanians are intense consumers, in comparison to other European countries.Also, vegetables that are associated with health and wellness, such as spinach and broccoli, areexperiencing an ascending trend.

The frozen vegetables market is dominated by imports, with international companies taking the first 5spots in market. Also, quality is a deciding factor in the race for market leadership – the top 5 spots inthe market are held by top brands, such as Bonduelle and Uncle Stathis. Bonduelle, for example, hasseen its sales doubled between 2006 and 2008.

3.3 Distribution and retail of fruits and vegetables

There are 2 main categories of retail outlets in the Romanian fruits and vegetables market: modern retail outlets (include international retail chains) traditional retail outlets (small operations)

The current ratio of modern to traditional outlets is 70/30, with modern outlets dominating urban areas,and being virtually absent in rural areas. The current trend is similar to that in Western Europeancountries, in which modern outlets cover 80% of the market the take-over of modern trade is still inprogress.

The modern retail outlets are the main targets for producers, and the centre of all distribution channelsand strategies for the fruits and vegetables market. Very few outlets (especially modern) import fruitsand vegetables directly, but rather procure their stock from major importers and distributors. In thecase of foreign products (imports) especially, it is unlikely for modern retail outlets to negotiate directlywith the foreign producers.

The main distribution channel for foreign companies aiming to export to Romania is presented below:

Source: BDG



34

The main advantages of using an importer as a point of entry in the fruits and vegetables distribution

network are: Lower administration costs Strong and adequate positioning of products from the moment of entering the market A clear, bilateral policy of prices, discounts, terms of cooperation, etc. can be set Importer helps define the best combination of distribution channels Key Accounts (KA) have a stable local contact with whom they can define a stable pricing policy

Flexibility in planning and implementing promotional campaigns Increased interest of the importer concerning the product’s evolution in the market Flexibility in the dynamic aspects of the market

Importers usually perform the following operations: importing storing delivering to distributors and KA’s

These operations entail a series of costs that the exporter aiming to distribute his fruits and vegetables

must bear: logistics costs approx. 12% of actual import price ongoing operational costs 3 – 6% profit margin minimum 15%

Thus, the final cost is, approximately, the price of imports + 31% of that price.

The main targets of fruits and vegetables distribution channels are the KAs (retail chains). This mode

of distribution is complex and requires major investments, due to a wide array of taxes. Working with

KAs only becomes profitable once the product is known on the market. However, due to the massive

expansion of KAs and the contraction of traditional retail outlets, distributing to KAs remains a priority

for producers and exporters. The presence of products in KAs is a method of promotion with a high

impact on the consumers, which view the offer of modern retail outlets as trustworthy and prestigious.

The KA costs are covered by producers, even if the products are distributed through importers or

distributors, in order to ensure a direct and lasting connection between the producer and the KAs.

There are 2 main categories of KA costs: Financial costs (taxes) Operational costs (discounts, bonuses, etc.)

The main taxes collected by KAs are: supplier placement tax at the moment of signing the contract with a new supplier (around

10,000 EUR) product placement tax at the moment of placing new products from a supplier (100 – 2,500

EUR per chain) preferred placement tax product is made visible through preferred shelf placement new outlet tax

in-store magazine promotion tax taxes for other in-store promotional activities promotion campaign tax

Some KAs give up to part of their taxes and replace them with additional discounts. KA discounts are

calculated as a % of the product price. The main types of KA discounts are: general price discounts 5 – 10% promotional discounts 2 – 10% marketing discounts 9 – 17% of monthly/quarterly supplier invoice logistic discounts 1 – 4%

Bonuses are paid by suppliers to KAs as a % of sales recorded by the KAs:

unconditional bonus

paid even if the sales targets are not reached 1 – 2% conditional bonus paid only if the sales targets are reached 1 – 3%



35

According to professional organizations in the fruits and vegetables sector, 70% of the business

carried out in the sector is the subject of fiscal evasion. Most illegalities occur in the small producers’

sector, where paperwork is scarce and even some producer certificates are falsified. Along the supply

chain from producers to consumers the prices double, even triple. Moreover, intermediaries and some

traders also avoid using invoices, leading to enormous values of fiscal evasion.

Only 20-25% of local production is sold in modern retail outlets, while the remaining production is soldin food marketplaces. Small and medium traders usually operate in marketplaces, most often without

the proper documentations, or the quantity declared in the documents is much smaller than what theyare really selling. Even though this is a well know practice, measures are few and ineffective.

Fiscal evasion is not found only in domestic production, but also in imports, favoured by the faultymarket structure and by the lack of unitary legislation. Since imports still dominate the fruits andvegetables market, the largest share of fiscal evasion comes from this sector. Importing via phantom-companies or using invoices with lower prices and quantities are practices often found with especiallybut not exclusively Turkish importers. In the case of imports from the EU, the mechanism is simpler:immediate resale of the products prevents any uncomfortable questions and ensures a speedy deliveryto end customers.

The existence of fiscal evasion is well known and acknowledged and it has come to the attention ofproducers and government officials, and counter-measures are scheduled for implementation.

Producers are lobbying for the introduction of several measures to support fair trade in the fruits andvegetables market:

unitary legislation for all sectors of the market (including small producers)

facilitating direct access of producers to food retail outlets

separating imported and domestic fruits and vegetables at the points of sale

careful monitoring of wholesale marketplaces to check trucks at entry and exit forcorrespondence between declared and actual quantities

However, companies aiming to operate in the fruits and vegetables sector must acknowledge some

unfair competition and take precautionary measures. Despite the widespread fiscal evasion, there are

still legal and market mechanisms that support fair trade, with several more to come. While caution and

careful strategic planning is recommended, the fruits and vegetables sector in Romania is not madeinaccessible by fiscal evasion. The market is free, though challenging, and quality and professionalism

still carry a high added value.

3.4 Quality aspects

Quality standards for fruits and vegetables on the Romanian market leave much room forimprovement. Even though there is a general effort to bring Romania to EU standards, progress isslow, but steady. The overall tendency is to improve quality and meet sector-relevant standards, atendency to which both authorities and economic agents adhere. Consumers are becoming betterinformed with regard to quality standards and their own rights, and are putting pressure on traders to

improve the quality of their products. Frequent inspections, awareness campaigns, legal developmentsand the market entry of professional, high quality players are leading the market in the right direction.

According with Romanian legislation in force from 2002 any trader no matter if wholesaler or retailermust make the following information available at visible place:- general: name of the producer and packing company, variety, quality and quantity- specific: for fruits and vegetables that were treated will mention “product treated by ionization” or

“product treated with ionic radiations”.

Also, if the producer uses chemical fertilizers, he must have a specific permit from a specialist in thefield, and the use of fertilizers must be specified on the products. However in practice few producersand traders abide the law.

The agricultural and sanitation services are limited (available only at county level not for every village)therefore are used mainly by commercial farmers with crops over 100 tons while the majority of smallplayers flow products into the market without an accurate control. In many cases fruits and vegetables



36

are subject to artificial improvements that in the absence of clear knowledge on the use of variousenhancers can lead up to negative effects on the health of the consumer.

Imported products are also often of lower quality, even though they are sold at higher prices. Turkey,for example, uses certain pesticides not authorized in Romania and the EU. Because of this, Turkishproducers have a problem with selling their products in foreign markets, so they are using marketssuch as Romania to unload their supply, at dumping prices. Romanian authorities cannot cope with theproblem efficiently as the lead time to perform inspections and analyses is too long and beforereceiving proofs the products are already spread in the market generally without a trace. In manycases Bulgaria is used as first entry point in EU so once the customs checks are performed thereRomanian authorities do not interfere.

Reinforcing law provisions in practice is essential for increasing the quality level of fruits andvegetables traded on Romanian market.

3.5 Main developments in the fruits and vegetables sector &opportunities for market entry and business development

The survey revealed that Dutch fruit and vegetable companies can find ample opportunities forbusiness development in Romania. By providing invaluable input to a sector with high yet still restricted

market potential, Dutch players can actively contribute to its development, all while capitalizing on thebusiness opportunities which result from this development.

Despite such competitive advantages as abundance of arable land and a favourable climate,Romanian horticulture is hindered by land fragmentation and obsolete production methods. Trade inthe sector is characterized by chaotic distribution, inefficient logistics and, very often, poor quality.After 3 years of implementing EU standards in fruits and vegetables production and trade, largely usingEU funding, Romania still needs substantial investments to raise the sector’s competitiveness.However, with a total consumption of fruits and vegetables of 5.6 mil t in 2008 (10% average annualgrowth rate) and a total market value of over 1 billion EUR, Romania’s fruits and vegetables sector is atempting challenge for companies, both foreign and local.

As consumers are becoming more complex, new consumption trends are entering the market and

opening doors for niche businesses (HoReCa, frozen products, eco products, etc.). Even though Dutch

products tend to be more expensive, they maintain their position among the market leaders due to their

superior quality. In 2008, the Netherlands exported over 45,500 t of fruits and vegetables to Romania,

with a combined value of over 32 million EUR.

The market offers opportunities as well as constraints for Dutch exporters. Opportunities aredetermined primarily by the ascending product consumption trend and the inability of domesticproducers to satisfy the existent demand both in quality and diversity terms. Imports are clearlydominant, spurring opportunities for Dutch traders (Holland in one of the top 5 countries of import originfor major categories of products) who will continue to deliver products to the market via modern retailchannels. The trend of local consumption structure reveals long term market opportunities for freshfruits (apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines and citric fruits), fresh vegetables (tomatoes, sweet pepper,

onion, cabbage and niche products such as endives, cherry tomatoes, etc.) as well as frozen products(vegetables and mixes).

At the same time, new opportunities on the long term should be investigated based on the immediateneed for re-consolidation of the Romanian sector for fruit and vegetable cultivation and processing,also by using the opportunity of current European financing programs. This can be also turned in anopportunity for Dutch suppliers of inputs for the horticultural sector who will find a market in need ofnew technologies and production methods. Currently there is only mild competition in local production,as farms with surfaces less than 3 ha are still predominant, producers are reluctant to form groups andtechnology is outdated. Dutch technology is already involved in several major development projects inthe sector and can take this advantage further by using the good reputation in new commercialventures especially in setting up high intensive production capacities (orchards, greenhouses, etc) aswell as storage (especially cold and refrigerating) and processing capacities.



37

Main entry points:- cooperation with local traders for the diversification of current product portfolios and/or increased

product quality- cooperation with major producers and/or producer groups for the development of additional

activities (mainly storage, processing, distribution)- expanding production operations in Romania based on the opportunity of free access to acquisition

of good quality land at fair prices- exposure and increased awareness regarding the possibilities offered by the Dutch horticultural

sector on the Romanian market as well as the adjustment of Dutch techniques to local conditions(also by participation in local fairs and exhibitions, comprehensive list of events planned for 2010provided in the attachment)

Given the existing Dutch success in Romania and the market’s high, unexplored potential, the present

report hopes to encourage and support Dutch companies in accessing a market full of business

opportunities and using their experience and innovation not only to become key players in the fruit and

vegetables sector, but also to raise its level and shape future trends.



38

4 Contact details main stakeholders

Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Discount Stores, Cash & Carry

SC Carrefour Romania SA

Contact person: Mr. Arnaud Dussaix–

Acquisitions DirectorAnchor Plaza Building, et.8, 26Z Timisoara

Blvd., Sector 6, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 20674 00

F: 0040 21 20674 51

[email protected]

www.carrefour.ro

Carrefour Orhideea

Contact person: Mr. Bogdan Stanciu – Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.210-210B Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 3177646

F: 0040 21 3177636

[email protected]

www.carrefour.ro

Carrefour Baneasa

Contact person: Mr. Laurentiu Tampa - Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.

44A Soseaua Bucuresti - Ploiesti, Sector 1,

Bucharest

T: 0040 21 3118900

F: 0040 21 3118903

[email protected]

www.carrefour.ro

Carrefour Colentina

Contact person: Mr. Valentin Done - Fruits and

Vegetables Dep.

426-426A Sos. Colentina, Sector 2, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 3013700

F: 0040 21 6555984

[email protected]

www.carrefour.ro

SC Real - Hypermarket Romania SRL

Contact person: Mr. Eugen Stirbu –

Acquisitions Director

51 Theodor Pallady Street, Sector 3,

Bucharest

T: 0040 31 4031000F: 0040 31 4031009

[email protected]

www.real-hypermarket.ro

Plus Romania SCSContact person: Ms. Veronica Apetroaiei -Fruits and Vegetables Department. Dn 72, Nedelea, Com. Aricestii Rahtivani,

T: 0040 244 40 81 40F: 0040 244 40 83 79

[email protected]

www.plus-discount.ro

Cora Pantelimon

Contact person: Ms. Elena Mihaela Mocanu -

Fruits and Vegetables Dep.

21 Sos. Vergului, Sector 2, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 2053500

F: 0040 21 2053651

[email protected] www.cora.ro

Cora Lujerului

Contact person: Ms. Aura Fuduli, Mr. Daniel

Chirita -Fruits and Vegetables Dep.

19 Iuliu Maniu Blvd., Sector 6, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 4075500

F: 0040 21 4075555

[email protected] www.cora.ro

Metro Cash & Carry Romania

Contact person: Mr. Bart Blomme– Food

Purchasing & Merchandising Director

Bart Van Werkum - Head Of Supply Chain

Managment at Metro Cash & Carry Romania

and Moldova

1 Sos. Pipera Tunari, Complex Twin Towers

Barba Centre, et. 3, 5-7, Voluntari, Ilfov

T: 0040 31 4234140

F: 0040 31 4234149

[email protected]

www.metro.ro

Metro Cash & Carry Voluntari

Contact person: Ms. Ramona Lazariu - Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.

DN2 Sos. Afumati, km 10, Voluntari, Ilfov

T: 0040 21 2703793

F: 0040 21 2703802

[email protected]

www.metro.ro



39

Metro Cash & Carry Berceni

Contact person: N/A

130A Metalurgiei Blvd., Sector 4, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 4066150

F: 0040 21 4066198

[email protected]

www.metro.ro

Metro Cash & Carry Baneasa

Contact person: Ms. Loredana Ciurea- Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.

44D Sos. Bucuresti-Ploiesti, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 2003195

F: 0040 21 2003106

[email protected] www.metro.ro

Metro Cash & Carry Brasov 1

Contact person: Mr. Razvan Enache- Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.

Ghimbav Loc., DN1 Brasov-Sibiu, km 174,

Brasov County

T: 0040 268 258430

F: 0040 268 258425

[email protected]

www.metro.ro

Metro Cash & Carry Ploiesti

Contact person: Mr. Podaru Marius - Fruits and

Vegetables Dep.

DN1, Km 6 (Ploiesti-Brasov), Prahova County

T: 0040 244 402150

F: 0040 244 597696

[email protected]

www.metro.ro

Selgros Cash & Carry

Contact person: Ms. Claudia Lascu – Fruits

and Vegetables Acquisitions Dep.

231 Calea Bucureşti, Brasov

T: 0040 268 307300

F: 0040 268 307210

[email protected]

www.selgros.ro

Selgros Pantelimon

Contact person: Mr. Stefan Argeseanu – Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.

90 Biruintei Blvd., Pantelimon Commune, Ilfov

T: 0040 21 2093000

F: 0040 21 2093199

[email protected]

www.selgros.ro

Selgros Berceni

Contact person: Mr. Iulian Malciu – Fruits andVegetables Dep.

92-108 Turnu Magurele Street, Sector 4,

Bucuresti

T: 0040 21 4068000

F: 0040 21 4068199

[email protected]

www.selgros.ro

Selgros Baneasa

Contact person: Mr. Stefan Savu– Fruits andVegetables Dep.

55-65 Bucureşti-Ploieşti Street, Sector 1,

Bucuresti

T: 0040 21 3078000

F: 0040 21 3078199

[email protected]

www.selgros.ro

Billa Romania

Contact person: Mr. Calin Stirbu - Fruits and

Vegetables Acquisitions Dep.

154-158 Barbu Vacarescu Street, Sector 2,

Bucharest

T: 0040 21 2055600

F: 0040 21 2055663

[email protected]

www.billa.ro

Mega Image

Contact person: Ms. Diana Dobre - Fruits and

Vegetables Acquisitions Department

95 Siret Street, Sector 1, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 2246677

F: 0040 21 2246011

[email protected]

www.mega-image.ro

G’market – SC Gimrom Holding SAContact person: Mr. Marius Neacsu- Fruitsand Vegetables Dep.55-59 Calea Vitan, Parter, Birou G47,Bucuresti Mall, Sector 3, BucharestT: 0040 734 844 991; 0040 21 3276740

F: 0040 21 3276751

[email protected]

www.gmarket.ro

Trident Trans Tex SRL

Contact person: Mr. Constantin Mateescu

42 Arad Street, Sibiu

T: 0040 269 218957

F: 0040 269 219338

[email protected] www.tridenttranstex.ro



40

Trident Supermarket Sibiu

Contact person: Mr. Florin Dragusiu - Fruits

and Vegetables Dep.

Steflesti Street, Cartier Vasile Aaron, Sibiu

T: 0040 269 212212

F: 0040 269 212126

[email protected] www.tridenttranstex.ro

Trident Hypermarket Deva

Contact person: N/A

Mihai Eminescu Blvd., Cartier Micro 15, Deva

T: 0040 254 235740

F: 0040 254 235741

[email protected]

www.tridenttranstex.ro

Wholesalers

PGB - Bucharest Wholesale Market

Contact person: Ms. Gratiela Claudia Lucaciu

– Commercial Director

132 Metalurgiei Blvd. , Bucharest

T: 0040 21 4610050

F: 0040 21 4610472

[email protected]

www.pgb.ro

PGC - Cluj Wholesale Market

Contact person: Mr. Andrian Portarescu

Criseni FN Street, Apahida commune, sat

Dezmir, Cluj county

T: 0040 264 504200

M: 0040 723 474548

[email protected] [email protected]

www.piata-agricola.ro

PGT - Timisoara Wholesale Market

Contact person: N/A

2 Ovidiu Balea Street, Timisoara

T: 0040 256 494482

[email protected]

www.piete-sa.ro

Depozit XL Iasi

Contact person: N/A

35 Calea Chisinaului, Iasi

T: 0040 232 227282

F: 0040 232 224554

[email protected]

www.depozitxl.ro

Depozit XL Suceava

Contact person: N/A

106B Humorului Street, Suceava

T: 0040 230 526353

F: 0040 230 526564

[email protected]

www.depozitxl.ro

Asil 2000 Trading Impex

Contact person: N/A

1A Soseaua Bucuresti - Urziceni, Afumati, Ilfov,

Stand: A3-A6

T: 0040 723399888

F: 0040 213690909

www.asil2000.com

Su Market

Contact person: Mr. Edhem Yeral – Financial

Director

1A Sos. Bucuresti-Urziceni, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 232 90 12

F: 0040 21 232 90 12

[email protected]

www.sumarket.ro

Abbara Trading Co

Contact person: N/A

2 Barsei Street, Voluntari, Ilfov county

T: 0040 722 325 170

F: 0040 21 352 94 42

[email protected]

www.abbara.ro

Interfruct SRL

Contact person: Mr. Bartis Stefan

4A Sos. De Centura Dreapta, Afumati, Ilfov

county

T: 0040 21 724 550 810

F: 0040 31 817 47 99

[email protected] www.interfruct.ro

Distrifrut SRL

Contact person: Ms. Mariana Petre- General

Director

3-5 Scoala Ciocanu Street, et.1, Sector 3,

Bucharest

T: 0040 21 744 483 000

F: 0040 21 327 70 86



41

SC Pasha Ice-Land Warehouse SRL

Contact person: N/A

34 Sos. Bucuresti-Urziceni, Afumati, Ilfov

county

T: 0040 21 310 32 34

F: 0040 21 310 62 92

Tip Dole SRL

Contact person: Mr. Claudiu Cojocaru

Rulmentului Street, Suceava

T: 0040 230 52 62 54

SC Yuksek International Fruct SRLContact person: Ms. Mirela Petrescu

9 Busteni Street, Sat Stefanestii de Jos,

Stefanestii de Jos commune, Ilfov county

T: 0040 372 168 500

F: 0040 372 168 501

[email protected]

www.yuksek.ro

Producers’ Groups and Organizations

SC Selagro Seleus SRLContact person: Mr. Berce Moise

183 Seleus village, Seleus commune, Arad

T: 0040 257 329 100

F: 0040 749 972 185

Association of the Vegetables and PotatoesProducers Constanta

Contact person: Ms. Dumbrava Jeni

78 Albatros Street, Poiana village, Ovidiu,

Constanta county

T: 0040 744 634 774

Cooperativa Agricola “LOTUS” Halmeu

Contact person: Mr. Ignat Vasile

7 Petofi Street, Halmeu , Satu Mare county

T: 0040 740 815 796

Cooperativa Agricola “TARINA” Iaslovat

Contact person: Mr. Olariu Vasile

53 Iaslovat, Suceava county

T: 0040 745 491 093

SC Agropomicola SRL

Contact person: Mr. Andres Vasile

352 S Radaseni, Suceava county

T: 0040 722 390 864

Cooperativa Agroecologica 2002

Contact person: Mr. Apostoloiu Emil

268 Cretesti village, Vidra commune, Ilfov

county

T: 0040 724 395 522

SC Compil D.C.A SA

Contact person: Mr. Papuc Liviu

24 Cuza Voda Street, Tecuci, Galati county

T: 0040 745 603 616

T: 0040 788 567 899

SC Grupul de valorificare a legumelor

Maramures SRL

Contact person: Ms. Veres Mirela

102 Valea Rosie Street, Baia Mare, Maramures

county

T: 0040 722 553 907

SC Legumicultorul Danesti SRL

Contact person: Mr. Tinc Vasile

33 Chioarului Street, Danestii, Maramures

county

T: 0040 744 103 612

Asociatia Agricola “ Fru-vit Dealul Mare “

Contact person: Mr. Cristea Constantin

Valea Calugareasca commune, Prahova county

T: 0040 722 912 701

SC Biolegum SRL

Contact person: Mr. Barbu D.

Maia commune, Ialomita countyT: 0040 723 206 001

SC Primileg Poiana SRL

Contact person: Ms. Voichici Tita

Ovidiu, Constanta countyT: 0040 723 137 285



42

Cooperativa FAMILIA

Contact person: Mr. Dinca George

Brezoaiele commune, Dambovita county

T: 0040 728 188 533

SC Agro Grup Ecologica SRL

Contact person: Mr. Cosmache Nicolae

Dobren village, Varasti commune, Giurgiu

county

T: 0040 724 248 537

SC Marmalus SRL MaramuresContact person: Mr. Oteanu Ion

42A Plevnei Street, Baia Sprie, Maramures

county

T: 0040 740 046 366

SC Grup de Producatori Brezoaiele SRLContact person: Mr. Ionescu Dumitru

Brezoaiele commune, Dambovita county

T: 0040 721 203 068

Cooperativa Agricola “Grup de

Producatori Frutis Voinesti”

Contact person: Mr. Ionescu Danil

4 Voinesti village, Voinesti commune,

Dambovita county

T: 0040 723 365 957

Asociatia-Judeteana a Cultivatorilor de

Capsuni, Arbusti si Pomi Fructiferi

Contact person: Mr. Patrut Sorinel

Cerna village, Vaideni commune, Valcea

county

T: 0040 766 244 515

SC “BIHORTI” SRL

Contact person: Mr. Manole M.

56 Avalansei Street, Tandarei, Ialomita

county

T: 0040 722 782 305

SC “LEGSOG” SRL"

Contact person: Mr. Ardeleanu Liviu

528 Socodor commune, Arad county

T: 0040 257 358 063

T: 0040 743 946 949

SC “LAMARO SERE” SRL

Contact person: Ms. Oprea Angela

3 Calea Zimandului, ap. 1 jud. Arad

T: 0040 744 604 106

SC “LEGUME NATURAL” SRL

Contact person: Mr. Neagu Nicu

Varasti commune, Giurgiu county

T: 0040 722 691 524

Distripod –Cooperativa Agricola

Contact person: Mr. Patrascu Ion

Brezoaiele, Dambovita county

T: 0040 727 356 872

SC Agro Partener Invest

Contact person: Mr. Pintilie Marcel

Valea Dragului commune, Giurgiu county

T: 0040 728 268 280

SC Grupul de producatori Slobozia Moara

NATURAL SRL

Contact person: Mr. Manolache I.

239 Slobozia Moara, Dambovita

T: 0040 723 687 071

Societatea Agricola VIITORUL Glodeanu

Sarat

Contact person: Mr. Platica Cristi

Glodeanu Sarat, Buzau county

T: 0040 722 815 831

Coop. Agr. Proleg Slobozia Moara

Contact person: Mr. Pitulice Chiriac

Slobozia Moara, Dambovita

T: 0040 740 249 858

SC Best Vegetables Import Export SRL

Contact person: Mr. Roman J.Cristinel

6 Furnalistilor Street, bl. J4, ap. 35, Galati

T: 0040 740 309 911

SC PROD AGRICOLA SRL

Contact person: Mr. Ghita Petru

Varasti commune, Giurgiu county

T: 0040 726 253 947

Cooperativa Agricola Legumicola Plesoiu

Contact person: Mr. Ciobanu Fl.

Plesoiu commune, Olt county

T: 0040 745 015 699



43

SC LEGUMES SRL

Contact person: Mr. Cristea Nic

Sabangia, Tulcea county

T: 0040 744 336 706

Association of the Agricultural Producers

Group “Hortipomicola”

Contact person: Mr. Dumitru V.

Reghin, Mures county

T: 0040 265 512 730

F: 0040 742 137 000

SC PROD LEGUMICOLA SRL

Contact person: Ms. Mihalache Ioana

Colibasi, Giurgiu county

T: 0040 722 317 823

SC ECOLOGICA 2006 SRL

Contact person: Mr. Radu Constantin

Varasti, Giurgiu county

T: 0040 723 982 989

SC LEGUME GRUP SRL

Contact person: Mr. Oncica Gheorghe

Motatei, Dolj county

T: 0040 743 428 548

SC AGRO ECO SABAR SRL

Contact person: Mr. Bolocan Petrica

Colibasi, Giurgiu county

T: 0040 723 497 821

SC LEGUMICOLA PROD. SRLContact person: Mr. Mocanu Marius

Miroslavesti village, Puchenii Mari, Prahova

county

T: 0040 726 686 969

ASOCIATIA FERMIERILOR OLARIContact person: Mr. Leonte Mirica

Olari, Prahova county

T: 0040 721 297 809

SC ”CASA PEPENILOR VERZI”

Contact person: Mr. Diaconu F.

Dabuleni, Dolj county

T: 0040 745 505 398

SC “FABRIA “COM SRL

Contact person: Ms. Mihai Emilia, Mr.

Limbosanu V.

1b Calarasilor Street, Bl. 150H, SC. A, et.1, ap.

6, Ploiesti, Prahova county

T: 0040 729 824 439T: 0040 721 882 540

As. AGRO LEGUMICOLA OLARI

Contact person: Mr. Pirvan N.

260 OLARI, Prahova county

T: 0040 741 998 541

F: 0040 244 471 086

SC LEGUME FRUCTE SARATA

Contact person: Mr. Sirboiu Gabi

Calarasi,Dolj county

T: 0040 745 369 319

SC Mafil Prodagro SRL

Contact person: Mr. Treanta Leonard


T: 0040 728 906 056

T: 0040 744 708 351

Agricultural Society of Apple Producers-

Dedrad Batos

Contact person: Mr. Farago Emil –

Administrator

302 Primariei Street, Batos commune, Murescounty

T: 0040 265 511 462

T: 0040 744 505 551

SC Paradisul Legumelor Curtici&Marcea

SRL

Contact person: Mr. Mot Ioan– Administrator

19, 1 Decembrie Street, Curtici, Arad county

T: 0040 237 464 100

T: 0040 728 004 784

SC Cerasus SRL

Contact person: Baianu Vasile– Administrator

Cotnari, Iaşi

T: 0040 232 730 395

T: 0040 766 730 395

SC Agroleg Grup SRL

Contact person: Mr. Marius Cristian Guita

289 Traian Street, Galati

T: 0040 236 41 31 85

F: 0040 236 41 31 85

SC Hortifruct Bucharest

Contact person: Mr. Horia Culcescu

6 Drumul Binelui Street, Sector 4, Bucharest

T: 0040 728 112 442

F: 0040 21 332 12 86



44

SC Bratesleg Grup SRL

Contact person: Mr. Oreste Mandru -

Administrator

77A Razboieni Street, Galati

T: 0040 745 759 838

F: 0040 236 31 51 80

Early Potato Producers Group– Lunguletu

(Dambovita)

Contact person: Mr. Vasile Costache

Lunguletu, Dambovita county

T: 0040 722 692 742

Research Institutes

Vegetable Research Institute Buzau

Contact person: N/A

23 Mesteacanului Street, Buzau

T: 0040 238 722 560

F: 0040 238 722 593

www.scdlbuzau.ro

Vegetable Research Institute Bacau

Contact person: Mr. Lucian Stoian – Director

220 Barladului Street, Bacau

T: 0040 234 544 963

F: 0040 234 517 370

[email protected]

www.artelecom.net/legumebac/

Vegetable Research Institute IernutContact person: Ms. Heitz Minerva - Director

Str. Energeticianului 1A, Iernut, judetul Mures

T: 0040 265 471407

F: 0040 265 471407

www.scdliernut.ro

Vegetable Research Institute IsalnitaContact person: N/A

DN E70, KM7, Isalnita commune, Dolj county

T: 0040 251 485636

The Research and Development Institute

for Horticultural Products Processing and

Marketing of the Horticultural Products "

HORTING" Bucharest

Contact person: Mr. Marian Bogoescu, Ms.Bibicu Miruna

1A Intrarea Binelui Street, Sector 4,

Bucharest

T: 0040 21 4610706

T: 0040 21 4600725

[email protected]

www.horting.ro

Research and Agricultural Development

Institute- Livada (mainly strawberry)

Contact person: Mr. Fritea Teofil – General

Director

7 Baia Mare Street, Livada, Satu MareT: 0040 261 840361

F: 0040 261 840361

[email protected]

www.scdalivada.sm.rdsnet.ro

Vegetable and Flower Cultures Research

Centre – Vidra

Contact person: Mr. Vasile Lacatus

Vidra, Ilfov county

T: 0040 21 3612094

Research Institute for plants cultivation on

sands- Dabuleni

Contact person: N/A


T: 0040 251 334 402

Research and Development Institute for

Fruit Growing Mărăcineni

Contact person: Mr. Razvan Popescu –

Marketing Director

Marului Street, Maracineni, Arges county

T: 0040 248 278889

F: 0040 248 278477

[email protected]

www.icdp.ro


Fruit Growing Valu lui Traian

Contact person: N/A

Calea Dobrogei, Valu lu Traian, Constanta

county

T: 0040 241 231324

F: 0040 241 231383



45


Fruit Growing Voinesti

Contact person: N/A

Voinesti, Dambovita county

T: 0040 245 679085

F: 0040 245 679085


Potato- Miercurea-Ciuc

Contact person: N/A

22 Progresului, Miercurea-Ciuc, Harghita

county

T: 0040 266 371455


Potato- Targu Secuiesc

Contact person: N/A

55 Ady Endre 55, Targu Secuiesc, Covasna

county

T: 0040 267 363755

National Federation of Potatoes Cultivators

Contact person: Mr. Ioan Benea

Brasov

T: 0040 268 367 053

F: 0040 268 367 551

M: 0040 0722 354 913

National Institute of Research and

Development for Potato and Sugar Beet

Brasov

Contact person: Mr. Sorin Claudiu Chiru –

General Director2 Fundaturii Street, Brasov

T: 0040 268 476 795

F: 0040 268 476 608

[email protected]

www.potato.ro

Institutions and Professional Associations

MAFRD – Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry

and Rural Development 24 Carol I Blvd., Sector 3, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 307 24 46

F: 0040 21 307 85 54

www.madr.ro

APIA - Agency for Paying and Interventionin Agriculture 17 Carol I Blvd., Sector 2, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 305 48 02

F: 0040 21 305 49 00

[email protected]

www.apia.org.ro

ANCA - National Agency for Agricultural

Advisory

Contact person: Mr. Stefan Mantea – General

Director

17-19 Doamnei Street, Sector 3, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 312 46 20

F: 0040 21 312 46 43

M: 0040 722 360 672

[email protected]

www.consultantaagricola.ro

ANIF - National Administration of Land

Improvement

Contact person: Mr. Cornel Popa – General

Director

35-37 Sos. Oltenitei, Sector 4, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 332 28 16

F: 0040 21 332 21 83

[email protected]

www.anif.ro

ISTIS - State Institute for Testing and

Registering Plant Varieties

Contact person: Ms. Antonia Ivanescu–

General Director

61 Marasti Blvd., Sector 1, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 223 14 25F: 0040 21 222 56 05

[email protected]

INCS - National Inspection of Seed Quality

24 Carol Blvd., Sector 3, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 307 86 63

F: 0040 21 307 24 28

[email protected] www.incs.ro



46

INSSE - National Institute of Statistics

16 Libertatii Blvd., Sector 5, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 318 18 71

F: 0040 21 312 48 75

[email protected]

www.insse.ro

Agrostar Federation (trade union)

Contact Person: Stefan Nicolae-President1-3 Piaţa. Cpt. Walter Mărăcineanu, etaj. 4,Cam. 303 - 305, sector.1 BucharestT: 0040 21 3111514F:00 40 21 [email protected]

www.federatiaagrostar.ro Employers’ Association of the Food

Wholesalers– ASCALGROS

Contact person: N/A

3-5 Calea Crangasi, Sector 6, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 315 89 22

F: 0040 21 313 05 03

Employers Association Of The Fruits And

Vegetables Canning Industry–

ROMCONSERV

Contact person: Aurel Tanase

1-3 Valter Maracineanu Street, Sector 1,

Bucharest

T: 0040 21 314 97 24

F: 0040 21 314 97 40

[email protected]

www.legume-fructe.ro

The Inter-professional Union forAgriculture and Food Industry

Splaiul Independentei, nr. 202A, sector 6,

Bucuresti

T: 0040 21 411 76 10

F: 0040 21 411 72 25

[email protected]

National Association of MushroomsProducers and Distributors

Contact Person: Eugen Bajenaru

Str. Odai nr. 6 Bucharest

T : 0040 722 216790

[email protected]

National Society of the Fruit GrowersContact person: Dr. eng. Ilarie Isac -presidentPrincipala Street, Maracineni,117450, Arges county

T: 0040 248 278066; 0040 745 068410F: 0040 248 [email protected]

Farmers' Associations in RomaniaContact person: Adelina Popescu61 Marasti Blvd., Sector 1, BucharestTel.: 0040 21 3177332

Mobile: 0040 745 079940

Universities

University of Agronomy and Veterinary

Medicine Bucharest

Contact person: Mr. Dorel Hoza

Dean of Horticultural Faculty

59 Marasti Blvd., Sector 1, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 318 04 66 F: 0040 21 318 25 64

[email protected]

www.agro-bucuresti.ro

University of Agricultural Studies and

Veterinary Medicine Cluj

3-5 Str. Calea Manastur, Cluj-Napoca

T: 0040 264 596 384

F: 0040 264 593 792

[email protected]

University of Agricultural Sciences and

Veterinary Medicine Timisoara

119 Calea Aradului, Timisoara

T: 0040 256 494 023

F: 0040 256 200 296

[email protected]

www.usab-tm.ro

University of Agricultural Sciences and

Veterinary Medicine Iasi

3 Aleea Mihai Sadoveanu, Iasi

T: 0040 232 274933

F: 0040 232 260650

[email protected]

www.univagro-iasi.ro



47

Commercial Farmers

SC Andany Trading SRL

Contact person: N/A

53 Adunatii Copaceni Commune, Giurgiu

county

T: 0040 741 11 16 25

F: 0040 21 317 58 26

SC Agrohorticola Batos SRL

Contact person: Mr. Grigore Farcas

2 Batos, Mures county

T: 0040 265 51 13 24

F: 0040 265 51 14 14

SC Horticola International SRL

Contact person: Ms. Simona Radu

56 Viile Sibiului Street, Sibiu

T: 0040 269 22 84 31

F: 0040 269 21 70 69

Comly Buzau

Contact Person: Mrs Gherase Georgeta

7 Sos Spatarului, Buzau

T: 0040 238 720065

F: 0040 238 720065

[email protected]

SC Nedarco SRL

Contact person: N/A

Bucharest

T: 0040 21 330 26 52

F: 0040 31 815 45 77

[email protected] www.nedarco.ro

SC Serele Pipera

Contact person: Cristian Rusu79-81Sos.Pipera, BucharestT: 0040 728 112474F: 0040 21 2320815

SC Sud Oil SRL

Contact person: N/A

Madona Dudu Street, Craiova, Dolj county

T: 0040 251 41 39 23

F: 0040 251 41 39 23

SC. BOGLAR CHAMP Contact person: Németi GergelyStr. Gh. Doja, Nr. 117, ap. D450151, Zalau, SalajT: 0040 260 616 642; 0040 740 227335F: 0040 260 616642

Retailers

SC Agroaliment SRL

8 Preparatiei Street, Vulcan, Hunedoara

county

T: 0040 254 57 14 75

SC Suk Star Prodcom Impex SRL

3 Razboieni Street, Cluj-Napoca

T: 0040 264 16 97 07

F: 0040 264 43 62 75

SC Trans Akropol SRL

178 Calea Calarasilor, Sector 3, Bucharest

T: 0040 21 314 01 50

SC Distrib Manu SRL

Atelierelor Street, Moinesti, Bacau county

T: 0040 722 976 222

F: 0040 234 306 019

SC Horticom SRL

Contact person: Ms. Daniela Carburean

18 Ludwig Roth Street, Medias, Sibiu county

T: 0040 269 83 17 92

Processors

SC Contec Foods SRL

Contact person: Mr. Aifun Suliman – General

Director134, 1 Decembrie 1918 Street, Tecuci, Galati

county

T: 0040 236 82 00 07

SC Conserv Buftea SA

Contact person: Mr. Livian Tropoc – General

DirectorBuftea, Ilfov county

T: 0040 21 350 49 01

F: 0040 21 350 49 00



48

F: 0040 236 82 03 36

[email protected]

www.contec.ro

[email protected]

www.conservbuftea.ro

SC Klevek Factory SRL

Contact person: N/A

505 Calarasi Street, Fetesti, Ialomita county

T: 0040 243 36 12 40F: 0040 243 36 11 99

www.klevekfactory.com

Mandy – SC Glina SA

Contact person: Mr. Virgil Raileanu – General

Director

5 Intrarea Albatrosului Street, Ilfov countyT: 0040 21 492 00 04

F: 0040 21 492 00 06

[email protected]

www.mandycompany.ro

SC MIB Prodcom SRL

Contact person: N/A

210 Traian Vuia Street, Cluj-Napoca

T: 0040 264 27 41 56

F: 0040 264 27 41 57

[email protected]

www.mibprodcom.ro

SC Conserv Fruct SRL

Contact person: Mr. Cojocariu Vasile – General

Director

189 Florilor Street, Baltatesti, Neamt county

T: 0040 233 24 40 85

F: 0040 233 24 40 63

[email protected] www.conservfruct.ro

SC Orkla Foods Romania SA

Contact person: Manuela Banu –General

Director

14-18 Copilului Street, Sector 1, Bucharest

T: 0040 31 805 75 72

F: 0040 31 805 75 71

www.orklafoods.ro

Other companies

SC Agral Prod SRL

130/A Gh. Doja Street, Zalau, Salaj county

T: 0040 260 61 98 38

F: 0040 260 61 98 38

[email protected]

SC Vitalef SA

12 Chimiei Blvd., Iasi

T: 0040 232 13 32 01

F: 0040 232 23 36 35

[email protected]

SC Leader International SA

Contact person: Luminita Vlad

20 Sos. Bucuresti-Targoviste, Mogosoaia,

Ilfov county

T: 0040 21 461 01 07

F: 0040 21 461 01 22

[email protected]

SC Pomicola Batos SRL

Contact person: Emil Farago

10/17 Libertatii Street, Reghin, Mures county

T: 0040 265 51 14 62

F: 0040 265 51 14 62

[email protected]

SC Megacons SA

64 Mercur Street, Braila

T: 0040 239 61 91 56

F: 0040 239 67 38 54

[email protected]

www.megacons.ro

SC Vinifruct Copu SA

39 Al. M. Sadoveanu, Iasi

T: 0040 232 21 82 69

F: 0040 232 21 82 68



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Frutti Grup Co

Contact person: Mr. Amir Bazzaz –

General Director

92 Linia de Centura Dreapta Street, Afumati,

Ilfov county

T: 0040 21 369 09 06

F: 0040 21 369 09 05

[email protected] Food Industries Research & EngineeringHolland BVContact person: Drs. Ing. Hank van Adel -managing directorNude 46, 6702 DM Wageningen, TheNetherlandsT: 0031 317 410212,F: 0031 317 [email protected]

Adviesburo Hillebrand-van der Heide BV

Contact person: Mr. Van der Heide - Specialist

in intensive orchard systems, fruit trees and

rootstocks.

Bloesemlaan 6, 3897 LN, Zeewolde

T: 0031 365 22 89 01

F: 0031 365 22 89 66

M: 0031 653 33 30 39

[email protected]

www.fruittrees-rootstocks.com



50

5 Main Fairs and Exhibitions in the fruits and vegetablessector in Romania, 2010

LOCALITY DATE EXHIBITION

Iasi 05.03-08.03 ExpoAgroAliment

Suceava 13.03-15.03 AgroExpo Bucovina

Deva 23.03-27.03 AgroExpo

Bacau 02.04-05.04 AlimentExpo

Iasi 17.04-20.04 National Salon for Agriculture

Cluj-Napoca 05.05-09.05 Agraria www.agraria.info.ro

Craiova 09.05-13.05 Agrotex

Sibiu 18.05-22.05 Agrosib

Bucharest 09.06-13.06 Tibco

Mamaia 10.06-13.06 ExpoAgroUtil

Timisoara 10.06-13.06 TimagralimAlexandria 27.08-31.08 Agralimex

Arad 09.09-12.09 Agroalim

Alba Iulia 17.09-19.09 Apulum Agraria

Slobozia 22.09-24.09 Agroial-Partener

Oradea 24.09-27.09 Alimentary Fair

Brasov 25.09-28.09 Agrifood

Botosani 25.09-28.09 Tehnagral

Giurgiu 02.10-04.10 Zilele Agriculturii Giurgiuvene

Braila 08.10-11.10 National Fair for Agriculture

Bucharest 10.11-14.11 Indagra Food + Indagra Farm

www.indagra-food.ro www.indagra-farm.ro



6 Information sources

European Commission Statistics, EUROSTAT http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu /portal/page/portal/eurostat/home/

Fruit and vegetables: fresh and healthy on European tables,EUROSTAT, 2008

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu /portal/page/portal/eurostat/home/

Institute of Soil and Agrochemical Research, Bucharest http://www.icpa.ro

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development www.madr.ro

National Agency for Agricultural Consultancy http://www.consultantaagricola.roNational Strategy for Operational Programs in the Fruits and Vegetables Sector 2009-2013 , MAFRD, 2008 www.madr.roOwners' Association in the Fruit and vegetables Canning Industry -Romconserv http://www.legume-fructe.com

Paying and Intervention Agency in Agriculture http://www.apia.org.roRecovery of the Romanian Agricultural Sector, Agrostar Federation, 2008 http://federatiaagrostar.ro

Romanian Agency for Foreign Investment - ARIS www.arisinvest.ro

Romanian Agriculture, MAFRD, 2008 www.madr.roRomanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.ccir.roRomanian market for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables ,EuropeAid/126810/C/SER/MD

Romanian National Institute of Statistics www.insse.ro

Romanian Trade Register www.onrc.ro

Romexpo www.romexpo.org

Summary results of the EU-27 orchard survey, EUROSTAT, 2009 http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu /portal/page/portal/eurostat/home/

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Market in Romania , CBI MarketInformation Database, February 2008 www.cbi.euThe market for canned fruits and vegetables in Romania, USAID,

2008 www.usaid.govThe market for consumption grapes in Romania , USAID, 2008 www.usaid.govThe Romanian Food Sector and the Use of EU Funds for Investments ,Agricultural Office, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,August 2009 http://www.olanda.roLocal specialized media sources(fields: agriculture, financial, marketing, business, etc.)

Direct interviews with main stakeholders and market players

Industry of Fruits and Vegetables-Romania

Documents

Transcript of Industry of Fruits and Vegetables-Romania