It's been a positive season for the export of Moldovan apricots, says Stefan Pislaru, sales director at Staragro Group SRL: "Moldova set a record for apricot exports this season, exporting 12,000 tons compared to 4,000 tons in the previous season. More than 10,000 tons of these apricots reached the European market, including destinations like Poland, Croatia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Slovenia, among other countries. Exporters reported an increase in demand from EU importers, which aligned perfectly with Moldova's abundant 2024 apricot harvest."
In a significant shift from 2020, when 85% of apricots were destined for the Eurasian Customs Union, Moldova diversified its market in 2024, with now only 13% of exports going to this region. "We experienced good growing conditions for apricots this year, resulting in both a large quantity and exceptional quality," Pislaru explained. "We have successfully exported over 90% of our apricots to EU markets, due to increased consumer demand. Apricots are a rapidly expanding fruit crop for Moldovan producers. In response to growing international demand for apricots, Moldovan growers have made significant investments in apricot production in the last several years, with 5,000 hectares currently under cultivation."
While competing with early-season apricots from Spain and the Balkans, Moldovan producers who have met strict certification and grading standards have thrived. "Moldova has huge potential for apricot exports, but certifications are crucial," emphasized Victor Cazacu, manager of ProInedit SRL. "This year, we have fully switched from wooden to cardboard boxes and have invested in our brand. These improvements helped us to achieve this year's success, with over 80% of exports to the EU."
Ionex Trans is a producer and exporter of fruit that, in recent years, has made significant efforts to access the European Union market. "It was a long, six-year journey for our sector, to adapt to EU market requirements. We planted varieties in demand on the EU market, obtained GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP certificates and completely changed the packaging for apricots. As a result of these efforts, we received a fair price for our fruits. This year, we sold apricots packed in trays to LIDL in Germany, and it's a success for us. We'll continue to make efforts to reach the supermarkets in EU, with increasing quantities of plums and grapes of the best quality," said Ion Ionas, manager of Ionex Trans SRL.
For more information:
ProInedit SRL
Tel:+ 373 79 357 709
Email: [email protected]
www.proinedit.com
Ionex Trans SRL
Tel: +373 69 850 555
Email: [email protected]
www.ionex.md