Uncooked pasta market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The uncooked pasta market in Romania saw substantial growth in both volume and value between 2018 and 2024. Starting from a market size of 50 756 t valued at 54 657 K $ US in 2018, it expanded significantly, peaking at 69 917 t in 2022 before some fluctuations. The most pronounced surge occurred in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted consumer behavior towards home-cooked meals, driving market volume up by 15% to 65 055 t and value by over 21%. This period also saw the beginning of discussions on updated government regulations for quality, packaging, and labeling, aiming to include new product categories and stricter controls without raising producer costs.

Following the pandemic peak, the market adapted to new economic realities. In 2021, volume slightly corrected to 62 818 t, but market value continued to rise to 74 083 K $ US, pressured by increasing costs for raw materials and utilities. Consumer demand simultaneously shifted towards healthier and more convenient options, such as egg-free and whole wheat pasta, supporting value growth. The market remained dominated by major brands like Barilla, which recorded the fastest growth. By 2022, the implementation of new quality regulations—including mandatory iodized salt usage and producer-issued conformity certificates—coincided with a renewed volume increase to 69 917 t. This growth was further supported by changing consumer preferences, the rise of private labels offering better value-for-money, and ongoing demand for gluten-free and frozen semi-finished products.

After reaching a high in 2022, the market volume contracted to 60 612 t in 2023, with value easing to 91 591 K $ US, likely reflecting a post-surge normalization. However, a recovery was evident in 2024, with volume climbing back to 67 182 t and value reaching 100 276 K $ US, indicating the category's underlying resilience and sustained consumer base.

Production uncooked pasta in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's uncooked pasta production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 49 143 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 30.7% compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 35 734 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 3.0% that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 33.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania ranked 26th globally in uncooked pasta production.

Top producers of uncooked pasta, 2017-2020

World map of production of uncooked pasta, 2017-2020

Romania's uncooked pasta production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 45 848 tonnes, up 23.9% from the previous year. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 34 352 tonnes, with a drop of 14.6% that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14%, averaging an annual increase of 4.5%.

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

Exports uncooked pasta from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of uncooked pasta have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 8 929 tonnes, a significant jump of 51.3% compared to 2019. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 5 793 tonnes, with a decline of 24.7% that year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 16.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's uncooked pasta exports were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. The top three destinations—Moldova with 13.1% of exports, Poland with 11.5%, and the United States with 9.8%—together accounted for just 34.5% of total export volumes.

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 uncooked pasta exports have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 11 513 thousand US dollars, up 45.9% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 580 thousand US dollars, with a decrease of 17.7% that year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 25%, averaging an annual growth of 7.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Romania's uncooked pasta exports. The top three—Poland with 14.3% of export value, the United States with 13.5%, and the Netherlands with 9.2%—together made up only 37.0% of total export value, with many smaller partners holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports uncooked pasta to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of uncooked pasta have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country imported about 28 135 tonnes, up 17.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 60.1%, with an average annual increase of 17.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Hungary, and Greece were the largest suppliers of uncooked pasta to Romania. Italy accounted for 48.4% of imports, Hungary for 26.6%, and Greece for 6.5%, together making up 81.5% of total import volumes.

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 uncooked pasta have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 35 628 thousand US dollars, a strong increase of 30.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 73.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main suppliers—Italy, Hungary, and Greece—together accounted for 81.4% of the total value of uncooked pasta imports into Romania.

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

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