Moldova’s fruit processing sector is facing serious challenges in 2025, as high fresh fruit prices and low domestic availability have left many factories without raw materials.

According to Stefan Golubciuc, head of the fruit and vegetable processors’ association “Speranța Con”, the spring frost significantly reduced yields this year. As a result, growers prioritized selling fresh produce to local markets or for export, rather than to processors. “In previous seasons, major factories could process several hundred tonnes of strawberries, apricots, and cherries. This year, they’ve managed only a few dozen,” Golubciuc said.

Fruit prices remain high across the country. Raspberries are selling for MDL 80–90/kg (€4.0-4.5) at central markets and up to MDL 120/kg (€6.0) in supermarkets, while export prices are around €2/kg. However, much of the profit goes to middlemen and retailers, not the growers.

Orhei Vit, a leading processor, has halved its output of jams and purées due to input costs. “The current price level for berries and stone fruits makes it unfeasible to maintain normal production volumes,” said company director Boris Efimov.

Efforts to import raw material from Ukraine and Poland have not yet resulted in significant volumes.

The long-term concern for Moldova’s economy is structural. Export of raw agricultural products is often exempt from VAT and duties, while domestic processing adds more value and creates jobs across the supply chain, from sugar and packaging to labeling and logistics. However, processors remain at the bottom of the sales hierarchy: Farmers first sell fresh produce for cash, then to retailers, and only lastly to processors.

Additionally, most Moldovan fruit preserves are sold to countries in the Eurasian Economic Union. Demand from the EU is limited to bulk apple concentrate and small volumes of apricot purée or smoothies.

Government efforts to diversify export markets have not yet filled the gap. For now, Moldova’s fruit processors are scaling back production and facing an uncertain season.

Source: www.evedomosti.md