Find Buyers, Importers, Distributors in Romania

Romania, located in the heart of Eastern Europe, is an emerging market with a growing appetite for international trade. As an EU member, Romania benefits from access to the single market, making it a strategic gateway for manufacturers targeting the region. In 2023, Romania's imports reached over €100 billion, with the food and beverage sector accounting for a significant portion of this figure.

The Romanian food and beverage market is driven by rising consumer incomes, urbanization, and a growing preference for imported goods. International suppliers are highly sought after, especially for premium, organic, and specialty food products. The country’s trade policies align with EU standards, ensuring a transparent and business-friendly environment for exporters. With a strong demand for diverse and high-quality imports, Romania presents a lucrative opportunity for manufacturers in the food and beverage industry.

The food and beverage sector in Romania is a dynamic market with increasing demand for imported products. In 2023, food imports alone were valued at over €7 billion, reflecting the country’s reliance on international suppliers to meet consumer needs.

Key imported product categories include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., bananas, citrus fruits, avocados)
• Meat and seafood (e.g., beef, pork, frozen fish)
• Dairy products (e.g., cheese, butter, milk powder)
• Confectionery and snacks (e.g., chocolates, biscuits, chips)
• Alcoholic beverages (e.g., wine, beer, spirits)
• Specialty and ethnic foods
• Organic and health-focused products

Fast-growing segments include:

• Plant-based and vegan products
• Functional beverages and health drinks
• Ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods
• Gluten-free and allergen-free products

Manufacturers targeting Romania can connect with a variety of buyer types in the food and beverage sector. Key segments include:

• Importers: These businesses handle large-scale procurement and customs clearance. They often collaborate with distributors and retailers, prioritizing consistent quality, competitive pricing, and reliable supply chains.
• Distributors: Distributors supply products to supermarkets, specialty stores, and foodservice providers. They value shelf-ready packaging, strong branding, and stable delivery schedules.
• Retail Chains: Supermarkets and hypermarkets like Carrefour, Kaufland, and Mega Image source directly from manufacturers or importers. They seek innovative, certified, and trend-driven products to meet consumer demand.
• Foodservice Providers (HORECA): Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies focus on taste, quality, and presentation. They often require customized packaging or bulk quantities.
• Specialty Stores: Organic shops, gourmet food stores, and ethnic markets look for unique, high-quality, and certified products to cater to niche audiences.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer channels are growing rapidly, offering opportunities for international brands to reach Romanian consumers directly.

Exporting to Romania involves several steps. Here is a practical guide for manufacturers:

• Research the Romanian Market: Understand demand for your product, identify target buyer segments, and analyze pricing trends.
• Ensure Compliance with EU Standards: Romania follows EU regulations for food safety, labeling, and packaging. Familiarize yourself with these requirements.
• Prepare Documentation: Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any applicable health or quality certifications.
• Select a Reliable Logistics Partner: Choose a freight forwarder experienced in EU trade to handle shipping and customs clearance.
• Choose the Right Incoterms: Clearly define responsibilities for shipping, insurance, and customs duties.
• Build Relationships with Local Partners: Collaborate with importers, distributors, or agents who understand the Romanian market and can help navigate local regulations.

Certifications are crucial for exporting food and beverage products to Romania, ensuring compliance with EU standards and building trust with buyers.

Key certifications include:

• EU Organic Certification: Required for organic food and beverages.
• IFS (International Featured Standards) or BRC (British Retail Consortium): Commonly requested by retailers and distributors for processed foods.
• ISO 22000 or ISO 9001: Demonstrates food safety and quality management systems.
• Halal and Kosher Certifications: Often required for specific consumer segments.
• Fair Trade and Non-GMO Certifications: Increasingly popular among health-conscious and ethical consumers.

Additionally, ensure compliance with EU labeling and safety standards to facilitate smooth market entry.

Romanian buyers expect well-packaged, clearly labeled, and compliant goods. Packaging and labeling play a critical role in product acceptance and consumer appeal.

Preferred packaging types:

• Retail-ready packaging: Ideal for supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Bulk packaging: Suitable for foodservice providers and wholesalers.
• Eco-friendly packaging: Recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials are increasingly favored by Romanian consumers.

Labeling requirements include:

• Product name and brand
• Ingredients list
• Net weight or volume (in metric units)
• Country of origin
• Nutritional information
• Allergen declarations
• Best-before or expiration date
• Compliance marks (e.g., CE, organic certification)

Adopting sustainable packaging and ensuring compliance with EU labeling standards can enhance your product’s appeal in the Romanian market.