Preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Romania showed significant volatility. Strong growth in 2019, which saw the market value increase by 35% to 38.8 million USD, was supported by continued state measures to organize producer groups under the National Rural Development Program, the presence of major processors like Contec Foods with around 400 employees, and rising consumer interest in organic and ecological products. However, in 2020, persistent reliance on imported raw materials and increasing costs for inputs and labor contributed to a 3% market contraction, even as consumer preferences shifted toward convenient canned goods.

Price pressure from rising raw material and energy costs continued into 2021, yet the market grew by 21% to 45.5 million USD, bolstered by sustained demand for organic products and higher import volumes. The situation deteriorated sharply in 2022 when a shortage of domestic raw materials and reduced exports from China and Iran forced the closure of 10 processing factories, slimming preserved food production by an estimated 30%. Soaring costs for natural gas and glass packaging further strained producers, leading to a 22% drop in the total market value to 35.7 million USD.

Following the 2022 downturn, the market rebounded strongly. In 2023, it grew by 31% to 46.9 million USD, and in 2024, it expanded a further 27% to reach 59.6 million USD. This recovery was driven by increased domestic production and imports, coupled with a decline in export volumes.

Production preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 8 687 thousand US dollars, representing a 13.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 26.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 056 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 35.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of expansion, Romania's production of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts decreased. In 2020, the country produced 8 178 tonnes, reflecting a significant 16.3% decline year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6.7%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 2.2%. The peak production volume was reached in 2019 at 9 768 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 21.5%.

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

Exports preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed notable fluctuations during the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 361 tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2018 at 11 265 tonnes, representing a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Romania exported 4 136 tonnes of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, marking a 23.0% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 70.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy accounted for 62.3% of Romania's preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts exports by volume, followed by the United Kingdom at 14.1% and Spain at 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 87.6% of Romania's total export flows during this period.

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

In 2020, Romania's exports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts reached 9 911 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 29.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 639 thousand US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2018 at 11 936 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was observed in 2019 at 36.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading market for Romania's preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts exports by value, accounting for 50.4% of total exports. The United Kingdom followed with 16.2%, and Spain with 12.2%. Together, these three markets represented 78.7% of Romania's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 41 332 tonnes, representing a 5.1% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 54.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 15.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey supplied 22.8% of Romania's preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts imports by volume, followed closely by Hungary at 22.6% and Poland at 20.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 66.3% of Romania's total import volume during this period.

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 preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 38 726 thousand US dollars, marking a 6.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 37.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland was the largest supplier of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to Romania by value, accounting for 24.5% of total imports. Turkey followed with 23.9%, and Germany with 18.3%. Together, these three countries represented 66.8% of Romania's total import value during this period.

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

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