Frozen vegetables market in Moldova

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen vegetables market in Moldova expanded from 2 374 t in 2018 to 2 519 t in 2019, driven by the entry of the Romanian producer Frescoverde, which guaranteed quality through integrated cultivation and packaging, and the launch of innovative steamed and shock-frozen vegetable lines like Bonduelle Minute, catering to demand for convenient, healthy options. Modern retail also dedicated more space to frozen vegetables, improving consumer access.

Despite increased consumer interest in long-shelf-life and healthy products during the COVID-19 pandemic, the market volume contracted over 2020-2022, falling to 2 155 t. Pandemic-related supply chain pressures and persistent fiscal uncertainty, which weighed on prices and distribution, offset the potential demand boost from shifted consumption habits.

The market partially rebounded in 2023, reaching 2 238 t, as supply chains stabilized and consumer interest in plant-based diets and frozen alternatives to seasonal fresh produce continued to influence demand.

Production frozen vegetables in Moldova

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, frozen vegetable production in Moldova declined. In 2020, Moldova produced 2 028 tonnes of frozen vegetables, which represents a 4.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.1% overall, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 114 tonnes. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen vegetables from Moldova

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Moldova's exports of frozen vegetables showed an increase. In 2020, exports reached 206.8 tonnes, reflecting a modest year-on-year growth of 5.9%. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased substantially by 71.5%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 34.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 195.3 tonnes. The most dramatic drop occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 68.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Belarus, and Romania remained the top buyers of frozen vegetables from Moldova. Russia accounted for 51.2% of exports in volume, followed by Belarus at 16.6% and Romania at 14.5%. Together, these three countries represented 82.2% of Moldova's total frozen vegetable exports by volume during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes in value terms peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with the peak volume being 3.2 times higher than the trough. In 2020, frozen vegetable shipments from Moldova abroad were valued at 162.9 thousand US dollars, marking a 13.1% decrease compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 148.2 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 68.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, with a rise of 26.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Bulgaria, and Belarus formed the core of Moldova's frozen vegetable exports in value terms. Russia led with 50.4% of export value, followed by Bulgaria at 14.3% and Belarus at 14.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 78.9% of total export flows by value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to Moldova

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Moldova's imports of frozen vegetables declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 575.5 tonnes, showing a moderate decrease of 4.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 33.1% overall, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 600.6 tonnes. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when imports rose by 18.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine were the primary sources of frozen vegetable imports to Moldova by volume. Poland contributed 61.3% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 15.1% and Ukraine at 7.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.5% of total import flows in volume during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Moldova's imports of frozen vegetables in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume registered 692.1 thousand US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 48.1% overall, equating to an average annual growth rate of 14.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium remained the key sources for Moldova's frozen vegetable imports in value terms. Poland accounted for 62.7% of import value, followed by the Netherlands at 15.0% and Belgium at 6.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.3% of total import flows by value during this timeframe.

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

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