Current status of the Romanian wine producing industry and consumer preferences for wine in the European context

Abstract

The key features of the Romanian wine industry analyzed in the present research paper include holding size, total production, and yield of vineyards in Romania, which were compared to other countries in the EU. Of note in this regard is the discrepancy between the values reported for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and other types of grapes. Romania was ranked as the third largest producer of non-PDO/PGI grapes while for PDO and PGI it was ranked significantly lower. Romanian vineyards also tend to be smaller in comparison with other EU countries, possibly leading to reduced economies of scale. Romania was the fifth biggest producer of table wine in EU in 2020. The trade balance sheet of wine in Romania is heavily skewed towards imports, reporting a trade deficit of 39.5 million Euros (2020) and 58.8 million Euros (2021). The ten largest wine producers in Romania were analyzed by revenue and profit margin. The leading winery in 2020 was Cramele Recaș, located in the western part of the country. In terms of wine consumption, Romania is similar with neighboring countries, at 3.38 liters of pure alcohol per capita in 2019. Red dry or semi-dry wines are preferred.