Sausages and similar meat products market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sausages and similar meat products in Romania expanded in volume from 227 000 tons in 2018 to 245 000 tons in 2019, supported by the acquisition of Elit Cugir by a major local producer, which consolidated a portfolio of over 300 meat products. However, in 2020, market volume dipped to 228 000 tons, even as value continued to rise, suggesting a shift toward higher-priced items.

Recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 238 000 tons, bolstered by the merger that created Aaylex One SA, a significant new player in the meat sector. Growth accelerated thereafter, with volume hitting 259 000 tons by 2023, while market value surged from $765 million in 2018 to $1.24 billion in 2023, reflecting inflationary pressures and a consumer move toward premium, clean-label products.

By 2024, industry drivers included a strong focus on premiumization as a response to inflation and higher raw material costs, alongside investments in innovation, traceability, and production technology, aligning with evolving European sustainability and health requirements.

Production sausages and similar meat products in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of sausages and similar meat products has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output value reached 858.7 million US dollars, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 17.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Romania's production volume of sausages and similar meat products declined. In 2020, the country produced 228.1 thousand tonnes, showing a modest decrease of 6.2% from 2019. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 243.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.5%.

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

Exports sausages and similar meat products from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of sausages and similar meat products have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 18 582 tonnes, up by 18.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 23.2%, translating to an average annual rate of 7.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain were the main buyers of Romanian sausages and similar meat products, accounting for 24.6%, 24.2%, and 21.1% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 69.9% of total exports in kind.

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 export value of sausages and similar meat products has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 88 385 thousand US dollars, a 28.3% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value surged by 65.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain held the largest shares of Romania's export value for sausages and similar meat products, at 28.4%, 23.3%, and 19.3%, respectively. Combined, they made up 71.0% 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 sausages and similar meat products to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of sausages and similar meat products have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 18 913 tonnes, a 6.2% rise compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 32.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Poland, Hungary, and Germany were the top suppliers of sausages and similar meat products to Romania, with shares of 21.1%, 19.6%, and 18.9% of imports in kind, respectively. Their combined share accounted for 59.7% of total imports in kind.

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 import value of sausages and similar meat products has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 73 296 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 18.6% growth from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, import value climbed by 58.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 16.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Hungary were the three principal markets for Romania's imports of sausages and similar meat products in value terms, together comprising 56.5% of total imports.

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

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