industry of fruits and vegetables-romania
DESCRIPTION
IndustryTRANSCRIPT
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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
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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
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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,
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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,
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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%
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
www.metro.ro
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Metro Cash & Carry Berceni
Contact person: N/A
130A Metalurgiei Blvd., Sector 4, Bucharest
T: 0040 21 4066150
F: 0040 21 4066198
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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
www.piete-sa.ro
Depozit XL Iasi
Contact person: N/A
35 Calea Chisinaului, Iasi
T: 0040 232 227282
F: 0040 232 224554
www.depozitxl.ro
Depozit XL Suceava
Contact person: N/A
106B Humorului Street, Suceava
T: 0040 230 526353
F: 0040 230 526564
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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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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
Dabuleni, Dolj county
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
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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
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
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
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
Dabuleni, Dolj county
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
www.icdp.ro
Research and Development Institute for
Fruit Growing Valu lui Traian
Contact person: N/A
Calea Dobrogei, Valu lu Traian, Constanta
county
T: 0040 241 231324
F: 0040 241 231383
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Research and Development Institute for
Fruit Growing Voinesti
Contact person: N/A
Voinesti, Dambovita county
T: 0040 245 679085
F: 0040 245 679085
Research and Development Institute for
Potato- Miercurea-Ciuc
Contact person: N/A
22 Progresului, Miercurea-Ciuc, Harghita
county
T: 0040 266 371455
Research and Development Institute for
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
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
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
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
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
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
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INSSE - National Institute of Statistics
16 Libertatii Blvd., Sector 5, Bucharest
T: 0040 21 318 18 71
F: 0040 21 312 48 75
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
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
National Association of MushroomsProducers and Distributors
Contact Person: Eugen Bajenaru
Str. Odai nr. 6 Bucharest
T : 0040 722 216790
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
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
University of Agricultural Sciences and
Veterinary Medicine Timisoara
119 Calea Aradului, Timisoara
T: 0040 256 494 023
F: 0040 256 200 296
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
www.univagro-iasi.ro
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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
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
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F: 0040 236 82 03 36
www.contec.ro
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
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
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
SC Vitalef SA
12 Chimiei Blvd., Iasi
T: 0040 232 13 32 01
F: 0040 232 23 36 35
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
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
SC Megacons SA
64 Mercur Street, Braila
T: 0040 239 61 91 56
F: 0040 239 67 38 54
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
www.fruittrees-rootstocks.com
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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
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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