Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled capsicum and pimenta fruits in Romania expanded from 176 thousand tons in 2018 to nearly 200 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by advances in cultivation technology, including improved seedling quality and soil preparation, which enhanced production efficiency. Additionally, shifting consumer preferences towards greater vegetable consumption stimulated demand, even amid rising costs for raw materials and labor.

In 2022, market volume fell sharply to 150 thousand tons, primarily due to a significant drop in domestic production. The decline was linked to the impact of regional grain exports, such as corn and wheat, on local agriculture, which diverted resources away from capsicum cultivation. By 2023, the market stabilized at 153 thousand tons, with increased imports offsetting stagnant production.

During the period, new hybridized capsicum varieties developed through Romanian research projects were cultivated and introduced in Lidl Romania stores, diversifying local supply. The growth of ecommerce and a strong consumer preference for local, fresh produce also influenced market channels, although a moderation in online sales growth in 2022 reflected more cautious spending.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania ranked 24th globally in the production of capsicum and pimenta fruits.

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, Romania's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits rebounded in 2020. That year, the country produced 140.8 thousand tonnes, a 3.9% increase from 2019. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 37.8%, averaging an annual decline of 14.6%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 135.5 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 38.1% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits grew for the third year in a row in 2020. The export volume reached 260 tonnes, up 9.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 114.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 29.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Romania's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports were Moldova, Italy, and Spain. Moldova accounted for 26.1% of exports by volume, Italy for 16.3%, and Spain for 14.2%. Together, these three countries made up 56.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for capsicum and pimenta fruit exports from Romania showed volatility during this period. The value peaked in 2019 at 449 thousand US dollars and hit its lowest point in 2017, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export value totaled 393 thousand US dollars, a 12.6% decrease from 2019. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 136.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the top buyers of Romanian capsicum and pimenta fruits by value were Moldova, Bulgaria, and Italy. Moldova held a 23.6% share of export value, Bulgaria 19.3%, and Italy 15.4%. Combined, these three markets represented 58.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania imported 41 507 tonnes of capsicum and pimenta fruits, a 17.3% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 37.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.3%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 1.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 19.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and the Netherlands were the primary suppliers of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Romania. Turkey contributed 43.2% of imports by volume, Spain 20.6%, and the Netherlands 9.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 73.2% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Import value reached 65 192 thousand US dollars, up 7.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 34%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Germany led Romania's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports by value. Turkey accounted for 41.3% of import value, Spain for 21.1%, and Germany for 12.8%. Collectively, these three suppliers represented 75.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020