Coffee extracts, concentrates and preparations market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for coffee extracts and concentrates in Romania expanded in volume, supported by the rapid growth of specialty coffee shops and increasing consumer interest in premium products. The number of specialty coffee locations doubled between 2018 and 2019, spreading across the country and educating consumers about diverse brewing methods. The COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily shifted consumption from cafés to homes, boosting demand for at‑home coffee products, which kept import volumes rising.

Between 2021 and 2023, the market’s value rose significantly despite some moderation in physical volumes. This was driven by continued premiumization, with consumers showing greater interest in single‑origin coffee, capsules, and gourmet blends. In 2022, rising global prices for coffee, sugar, and milk increased costs throughout the supply chain. A major legislative change took effect in January 2023, when the VAT rate for prepared coffee in restaurants and cafés was raised from 9% to 19%, leading to price increases of up to 30% and triggering discussions about the correct tax classification of coffee extracts and concentrates.

By 2024, the physical volume of the market had declined to 13 133 t, down from 16 006 t in 2021, while the market value remained elevated at $105.8 million, reflecting a sustained shift toward higher‑value products. The entry of new players, the launch of artisanal solutions such as Nescafé’s Roastelier, and ongoing investments by major companies like Nestlé and Coca‑Cola HBC Romania contributed to a more diversified and innovation‑driven market.

Production coffee extracts, concentrates and preparations in Romania

According to Faostat, there is no production of coffee extracts, concentrates and preparations in Romania.

Exports coffee extracts, concentrates and preparations from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations have declined for the third year in a row. In 2019, exports were at 925 tonnes, but by 2020, they had dropped by 53.1% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 77.9%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 39.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Italy, and Iran remained the top buyers of Romania's coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations in terms of volume. Serbia accounted for 53.5% of exports, Italy for 11.0%, and Iran for 8.8%. Together, these three countries made up 73.4% of Romania's total exports in this category.

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

Romania's exports of coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations in value terms have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports were valued at 4 676 thousand US dollars, but in 2020, this figure fell by 50.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 67.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -31.1%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 15 056 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia, Italy, and Greece were the leading markets for Romania's coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations in value terms. Serbia represented 35.3% of exports, Italy 16.5%, and Greece 5.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 57.3% of the 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 coffee extracts, concentrates and preparations to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations have increased for the third year in a row. In 2019, imports stood at 13 303 tonnes, and by 2020, they had risen by 11.2% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 46.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.5%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Czechia, Hungary, and Poland were the key partners for Romania's imports of coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations in volume terms. Czechia contributed 26.6% of imports, Hungary 18.0%, and Poland 9.7%. Together, these three countries made up 54.2% of total import volumes.

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 coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations in value terms have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 62 040 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's import partners for coffee extracts, concentrates, and preparations in value terms were quite diverse. Czechia accounted for 22.3% of imports, Germany for 14.5%, and Poland for 11.6%. However, these three countries together represented only 48.3% of the total import value, indicating a broad distribution among other partners.

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

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