Peaches and nectarines market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh peaches and nectarines in Romania opened the period at 68 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by the expansion of orchards and diversification of varieties which laid a foundation for domestic supply. Market volume grew to 70 thousand tonnes in 2019, with increased imports offsetting a drop in local production, as the sector highlighted the necessity of irrigation in areas with insufficient rainfall. A significant decline to 60 thousand tonnes followed in 2020, primarily driven by the market's vulnerability to adverse climatic factors and a lack of modern storage and irrigation infrastructure, which constrained both domestic output and imports.

Rising production and transport costs in 2021 increased prices, while growing consumer price sensitivity dampened demand, leading to a further market contraction to 52 thousand tonnes. A recovery commenced in 2022, with the market expanding to 57 thousand tonnes, aided by the introduction of new fruit combinations in products that catered to consumer interest in innovation, although a report on pesticide residues in peach samples may have influenced quality perceptions.

Market growth continued into 2023, reaching 64 thousand tonnes, supported by ongoing investments in production technology and adaptation to new European sustainability and food safety requirements, despite persistent logistical challenges. By 2024, vegetables and fruits accounted for 8.1% of Romanian consumer spending, underlining the category's strength, with global trends like sustainability and eco-friendly packaging influencing business decisions in the fresh produce sector.

Production peaches and nectarines in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

Romania's production of peaches and nectarines has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 900 tonnes, marking a modest year-on-year decrease of 9.7%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.3%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 22 140 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 20.5% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, at 14.5%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's cross-border shipments of peaches and nectarines have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 343 tonnes, up 39.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 147.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 35.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Moldova, and Hungary were the key destinations for Romania's peach and nectarine exports in volume terms. Greece accounted for 26.7% of exports, Moldova for 22.6%, and Hungary for 18.4%. Together, these three countries made up 67.7% 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

Romania's peach and nectarine exports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value totalled 326 thousand US dollars, a 74.7% rise year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 282.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 56.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova, Italy, and Hungary consistently led as the top destinations for Romania's peach and nectarine exports in value terms. Moldova held 26.8% of export value, Italy 18.5%, and Hungary 17.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 62.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports peaches and nectarines to Romania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's imports of peaches and nectarines totalled 44 780 tonnes, down 14.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 26.9%, averaging an annual decline of 9.9%. The largest drop was in 2018, at 24.7%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019, at 13.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Greece, Italy, and Germany were the main sources for Romania's peach and nectarine imports in volume terms. Greece supplied 68.0% of imports, Italy 8.3%, and Germany 6.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.6% of total import flows.

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

After two years of decline, Romania's imports of peaches and nectarines in value terms increased in 2020. Imports amounted to 40 885 thousand US dollars, up 8.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 37 552 thousand US dollars. The largest decrease was in 2018, at 4.4%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Greece, Germany, and Turkey were the leading sources for Romania's peach and nectarine imports in value terms. Greece contributed 58.6% of import value, Germany 9.5%, and Turkey 8.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 77.0% of total import flows.

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

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