Sparkling wine market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian sparkling wine market expanded from 7.7 million liters in 2018 to 8.9 million liters in 2019. This initial growth was driven by the entry of new producers like ZAREA with its Brut Natur launch and Bulgari Winery introducing classic method sparkling wines. Foreign investments from Italy and France, along with an increasing number of local wineries, boosted production capacity and product diversity, while evolving consumer habits towards more frequent sparkling wine consumption further stimulated demand.

The market contracted to 8.0 million liters in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related geopolitical tensions, which disrupted global wine trade and local consumption. A recovery followed in 2021, with volume jumping to 10.4 million liters, supported by continued investments in winemaking technology and storage facilities, as seen at Crama Carastelec, enhancing the quality and appeal of domestic sparkling wines.

From 2022 onward, the market entered a phase of strong and sustained growth, reaching 13.7 million liters by 2024. This period was characterized by a significant diversification of the supply side, with 29 producers and 115 brands operating nationally using various production methods. Frequent promotional activities and the rising popularity of sparkling wine for various occasions solidified domestic consumption, positioning Romania as the eighth-largest sparkling wine producer in the European Union.

Production sparkling wine in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's sparkling wine production experienced a two-year period of growth before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak value of 22 270 K $ US, but by 2020 it had fallen to 17 161 K $ US, representing a 22.9% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when production surged by 36.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Romania produced 2 805 K liters of sparkling wine in 2020, marking a 23.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 30.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2018, when production fell by 27.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 24.3% rise.

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

Exports sparkling wine from Romania

Exports in kind, K l

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Romania exported 102 K liters of sparkling wine in 2020, which is 30.9% lower than the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 253 K liters, while the lowest point was in 2020, creating a 2.5-fold difference between these years. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 41.5% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 70.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's sparkling wine exports were distributed across a diverse range of markets. Poland accounted for 20.2% of exports in volume, Italy represented 20.0%, and Cyprus contributed 9.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 50.0% of total export volume, with numerous other countries holding smaller but meaningful shares.

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 sparkling wine exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 505 K $ US, representing an 18.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 38.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 14.9%. The peak export value was recorded in 2018 at 1 129 K $ US. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 45.2% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 38.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the leading buyer of Romanian sparkling wine by value, accounting for 21.3% of exports. Poland followed with 18.8%, and Italy represented 12.0%. Together, these three markets comprised 52.1% of Romania's total sparkling wine 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 sparkling wine to Romania

Imports in kind, K l

After two years of growth, Romania's sparkling wine imports declined. In 2020, imports reached 5 345 K liters, representing a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 23%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 415 K liters. The most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 14.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy was the dominant source of sparkling wine imports to Romania, accounting for 43.6% of import volume. Germany followed with 20.3%, and Hungary represented 19.5%. Together, these three countries supplied 83.4% of Romania's sparkling wine imports by 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 sparkling wine imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 24 384 K $ US, representing a 7.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 36.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading source of sparkling wine imports to Romania by value, accounting for 38.8% of import value. France followed with 29.1%, and Germany represented 12.6%. Together, these three countries supplied 80.5% of Romania's sparkling wine 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